Chronic maxillary atelectasis

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Chronic maxillary atelectasis is a descriptive term which is characterized by a persistent decrease in the maxillary sinus volume due to inward bowing of its antral walls. It is not considered synonymous with but can include the term silent sinus syndrome in special situations when there is also spontaneous enophthalmos, hypoglobus, and/or midfacial deformity in the absence complaints related to nose and paranasal sinuses.

Chronic maxillary atelectasis can be classified into three successive clinical-radiological stages

stage I: membranous deformity
stage II: bony deformity
stage III: clinical deformity

Treatment and prognosis

Intervention may depend on a number of factors such as symptoms with some suggesting better managed in a two-step manner. It is first mandatory to relieve the obstruction of the maxillary sinus and restore its normal ventilation. This is usually achieved via functional endoscopic sinus surgery.