OR27 - Prevalence of Maxillary Sinusitis of Endodontic Origin in a Military Healthcare System

Objectives: Maxillary sinusitis (MS) is frequently encountered in otolaryngology (ENT), with one etiology being Maxillary Sinusitis of Endodontic Origin (MSEO). Limited collaboration between ENT and endodontic specialists can lead to missed MSEO diagnoses, unnecessary treatments, persistent disease, and delayed referrals. Most studies on MSEO prevalence in MS cases are retrospective, radiographic analyses. This prospective, cross-sectional observational study aims to identify the prevalence of MSEO in a military healthcare system, including active and reserve personnel, retirees, and dependents diagnosed with MS.

Methods: Subjects were screened, and maxillary posterior sextants were evaluated for endodontic pathoses. Symptoms, clinical, and radiographic findings were documented to determine endodontic diagnoses. The subjects' medical records were reviewed for diagnoses of MS; once identified, enrollment was completed. The data was analyzed by calculating the prevalence of endodontic disease in the maxillary posterior sextants of MS-diagnosed patients.

Results: Enrollment is ongoing; 20 subjects have been screened, with 18 meeting inclusion criteria, of whom 8 (44.5%) had endodontic disease contributing to MS. Relationships among diagnosis, symptoms, age, and sex remain to be analyzed.

Conclusion: In this ongoing study within a military healthcare system, a 44.5% prevalence of endodontic pathoses has been identified in patients diagnosed with maxillary sinusitis. This finding emphasizes the need for standardized referrals between ENT and endodontic specialties. Further research is needed to assess causality and the effects of endodontic treatment on sinusitis resolution, with and without ENT intervention.