Three-Dimensional Evaluation of the Maxillary Sinus in Unrepaired Adult Patients With Isolated Cleft Palate Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

This study investigated the characteristics of the maxillary sinus in adult patients with isolated cleft palate (ICP). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data from 50 unrepaired, non-syndromic adult ICP patients and 35 controls were retrospectively analyzed. 3D reconstruction and measurements of maxillary sinus length, depth, height, and volume were performed using Mimics software. The presence of maxillary sinusitis and 3D parameters was compared between ICP patients and controls. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS, with the significance level set at P=0.05. Maxillary sinusitis was detected in 18 ICP patients (36.0%) and 5 controls (14.3%). No significant differences were observed between sides or sexes in either group (P>0.05). In ICP patients, the mean maxillary sinus length, depth, height, and volume were 31.58 mm, 38.85 mm, 39.23 mm, and 13642.46 mm3, respectively. Corresponding values in controls were 36.35 mm, 43.21 mm, 44.57 mm, and 19690.01 mm3. All measurements in ICP patients were significantly smaller than those in controls (P<0.001). Unrepaired adult ICP patients exhibited a higher prevalence of maxillary sinusitis and reduced sinus dimensions compared with controls, indicating that cleft palate may adversely affect maxillary sinus development.