Association between mastoid pneumatization and antrochoanal polyps in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND

Mastoid pneumatization reflects middle ear aeration and may be disrupted in chronic inflammatory conditions such as Antrochoanal polyps (AP), potentially predisposing children to otologic complications.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the developmental relationship between AP volume and total mastoid air cell volume (TMCV).

METHODS

The correlation between the volume of nasal polyps and TMCV was assessed in 21 pediatric patients with AP. TMCV on the side not affected by AP served as the control within each patient. Polyp volume and TMCV were quantified using computed tomography (CT)-based 3D reconstruction.

RESULTS

The mean TMCV on the side with AP was 7.68 ± 6.13 cm³, while the mean TMCV on the contralateral side was 8.44 ± 6.67 cm³. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.042). However, no statistically significant correlation was observed between polyp volume and TMCV on the affected side (p = 0.758).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that AP may have a negative effect on mastoid pneumatization. Further research with larger cohorts is warranted.

SIGNIFICANCE: These findings highlight the need for comprehensive radiologic evaluation in children with AP to monitor potential mastoid involvement.