Maxillary air cyst

J Radiol Case Rep. 2013 Dec 1;7(12):10-5. doi: 10.3941/jrcr.v7i12.1542. eCollection 2013 Dec.

Abstract

Pathologic dilatation of the maxillary sinus by air is a rare condition with unclear etiology. We present a case of a 17 year old male with a maxillary air cyst diagnosed by computed tomography. The CT demonstrated air-filled expansion of the maxillary sinus beyond the normal anatomical limits with associated cortical bone thinning. The case report highlights the pathognomonic computed tomography findings of this rare entity and discusses the perplexing nomenclature, proposed etiologies and various treatment options.

Keywords: Air cyst; maxillary sinus dilatation; pneumocoele.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Air*
  • Cysts / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cysts / surgery
  • Dilatation, Pathologic / diagnostic imaging
  • Dilatation, Pathologic / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Maxillary Sinus / diagnostic imaging*
  • Maxillary Sinus / surgery
  • Paranasal Sinus Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Paranasal Sinus Diseases / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed