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Article Open Access

Anatomical variations of the maxillary sinuses: A cross‑sectional study

  • Authors:
    • Soran H. Tahir
    • Razhan Sabah
    • Yusif Firas
    • Botan Salih
  • View Affiliations / Copyright

    Affiliations: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah 46001, Iraq
    Copyright: © Tahir et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.
  • Article Number: 53
    |
    Published online on: March 3, 2026
       https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2026.2126
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Abstract

Anatomical variations of the maxillary sinus have important clinical implications, yet factors influencing maxillary sinus volume (MSV) remain debated. The present study evaluated MSV and related anatomical variations in an Iraqi population using multi‑slice computed tomography. Sinus dimensions and volume were measured using the Radiant DICOM viewer, and variations including infraorbital nerve (ION) protrusion, septation, Haller cells, and hypoplasia were assessed. Maxillary sinus asymmetry was common. Males demonstrated significantly larger sinus volumes on both sides compared with females (P<0.001). Age had no significant effect on right MSV (P=0.123), whereas left MSV varied across age groups (P=0.025). A key finding was the strong association between ION protrusion and increased MSV bilaterally (P<0.001). Septations, Haller cells, and hypoplasia occurred infrequently but remained relevant anatomical considerations. Overall, the present study revealed substantial anatomical variability in the maxillary sinus and highlighted the importance of preoperative imaging, particularly when ION protrusion is present, to support safe and effective surgical planning.
View Figures

Figure 1

Anteroposterior and transverse
parameters on an axial view.

Figure 2

Cranio-caudal (asterisk) parameter on
a coronal view.

Figure 3

Sagittal reconstruction of the left
maxillary sinus.
View References

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Copy and paste a formatted citation
Spandidos Publications style
Tahir SH, Sabah R, Firas Y and Salih B: Anatomical variations of the maxillary sinuses: A cross‑sectional study. Biomed Rep 24: 53, 2026.
APA
Tahir, S.H., Sabah, R., Firas, Y., & Salih, B. (2026). Anatomical variations of the maxillary sinuses: A cross‑sectional study. Biomedical Reports, 24, 53. https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2026.2126
MLA
Tahir, S. H., Sabah, R., Firas, Y., Salih, B."Anatomical variations of the maxillary sinuses: A cross‑sectional study". Biomedical Reports 24.5 (2026): 53.
Chicago
Tahir, S. H., Sabah, R., Firas, Y., Salih, B."Anatomical variations of the maxillary sinuses: A cross‑sectional study". Biomedical Reports 24, no. 5 (2026): 53. https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2026.2126
Copy and paste a formatted citation
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Spandidos Publications style
Tahir SH, Sabah R, Firas Y and Salih B: Anatomical variations of the maxillary sinuses: A cross‑sectional study. Biomed Rep 24: 53, 2026.
APA
Tahir, S.H., Sabah, R., Firas, Y., & Salih, B. (2026). Anatomical variations of the maxillary sinuses: A cross‑sectional study. Biomedical Reports, 24, 53. https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2026.2126
MLA
Tahir, S. H., Sabah, R., Firas, Y., Salih, B."Anatomical variations of the maxillary sinuses: A cross‑sectional study". Biomedical Reports 24.5 (2026): 53.
Chicago
Tahir, S. H., Sabah, R., Firas, Y., Salih, B."Anatomical variations of the maxillary sinuses: A cross‑sectional study". Biomedical Reports 24, no. 5 (2026): 53. https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2026.2126
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