Maxillary sinus hypoplasia visualized with computed tomography.

Three patients with hypoplasia of the maxillary sinus were examined with standard radiography, linear or hyocycloidal tomography, and computed tomography (CT). The mucoperiosteal membranes and orbital contents were more clearly differentiated with CT than with conventional tomography. In most cases of maxillary sinus hypoplasia, the diagnosis can be made from the plain radiographs. However, CT can confirm the diagnosis and provide direction for a surgeon to perform a biopsy or to surgically approach the area.