title: Maxillary air cyst.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Canada.
authors.forename: Stephane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Doucette-Preville
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Canada.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tamm
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Khetani
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Canada.
authors.forename: Derek
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Emery
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000388:Air; D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D010254:Paranasal Sinus Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
keywords: Air cyst; maxillary sinus dilatation; pneumocoele