Comparison of the panoramic radiographic and CT features of post-Caldwell-Luc maxillary sinuses

Objective: To clarify the panoramic radiographic features of the post-Caldw ell-Luc maxillary sinus. Methods: The panoramic radiographs were compared with the axial CT scans of 48 symptomatic post-Caldwell-luc maxillary sinuses which had been operated on more than 5 years previously. Results: The two characteristic features of the post-Caldwell-luc maxillary sinus on panoramic radiographs were a right-angled triangular shape, due t o absence of the floor of the maxillary sinus and radiopacity of the poster ior wall and zygomatic bone, and an ill-defied panoramic innominate line. T his shape was related to the finding of a contracted sinus with a radioluce nt lumen on the CT scans. There was also close relationship between the ill -defined panoramic innominate line and thickened posterior wall on the CT s cans. Conclusion: The characteristic features of the post-Caldwell-luc maxillary sinus on panoramic radiographs were a right-angled triangular shape and an ill-defined panoramic innominate line. These features were related to a con tracted sinus and a thickened posterior wall on the CT scans.