The development of paranasal sinuses in patients with cystic fibrosis: sinuses volume analysis

Abstract

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a severe systemic disease that affects many aspects of patients’ lives. It is known that the progression of the disease adversely affects lower and upper airways including the paranasal sinuses. However, its impact on sinus development in the pediatric population is not fully examined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the development of the paranasal sinuses in a pediatric population with CF and compare it to a control group consisting of healthy children. Methods The results of computed tomography (CT) scans of children with the disease and the control group were evaluated. The study included 114 CT images of children in the study group and 126 images of healthy children aged 0–18 years. The volumes of maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses were analyzed. The obtained results were compared with those of the control group and analyzed statistically. Results The volume and the development of the paranasal sinuses in both groups increased with age, but statistically significant differences were found between the study and the control group. Conclusions The obtained results provide valuable knowledge regarding the impact of the CF on sinuses development. Also, they may be important in understanding the progression of the disease and its influence on the quality and length of life of patients. The results may contribute to enhanced diagnostics and have implications for improving therapy for patients with chronic sinusitis associated with CF.