Assessment of Frontal Sinus Outflow Tract in Chronic Sinonasal Disease Patients

Abstract

Chronic sinonasal diseases, including chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), are prevalent conditions that significantly affect the quality of life. One of the key factors contributing to the pathophysiology of CRS is the obstruction of sinus outflow tracts, particularly the frontal sinus. The frontal sinus outflow tract (FSOT) is a critical anatomical structure, and its obstruction can lead to persistent symptoms such as facial pain, nasal congestion, and reduced olfactory function. This study aimed to assess the frontal sinus outflow tract in patients with chronic sinonasal disease using advanced imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A total of 120 patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis were included. The study compared FSOT patency and anatomical variations and analyzed their association with disease severity. Results indicated that a significant proportion of patients exhibited FSOT obstruction or anatomical variations, which correlated with a higher incidence of recurrent sinus infections and prolonged disease duration. The findings highlight the importance of evaluating the frontal sinus outflow tract in patients with CRS for personalized treatment planning, including surgical intervention for persistent symptoms. Early detection of FSOT abnormalities through imaging can improve therapeutic outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

Keywords: Chronic rhinosinusitis, Frontal sinus outflow tract, Sinus obstruction, CT imaging, MRI, Sinonasal disease, Anatomical variations, Treatment outcomes.