Search for a command to run...
<ns3:p>INTRODUCTION. The frontal sinus remains one of the most complex anatomical regions for diagnosis and surgical intervention due to its high variability and intricate architecture. Impaired drainage of the frontal sinus is a critical factor in the development of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), particularly chronic frontal sinusitis, which is associated with recurrent disease and severe complications.AIM. To evaluate the morphometric parameters of the frontal sinus outflow tract (FSOT) and determine their relationship with drainage pathway variants of the frontoethmoidal region in patients with and without chronic frontal sinusitis.MATERIALS AND METHODS. This analytical study was conducted at Poltava State Medical University and the Regional Clinical Hospital during 2024–2025. Computed tomography scans of 120 patients (147 sides after exclusions) were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=42) with chronic frontal sinusitis and Group 2 (n=105) without inflammation. FSOT length, antero-posterior (A-P) diameter of frontal recess and angle were measured using curved planar reformation and 3D reconstruction. Drainage pathways were classified according to Kikawada et al. (2022). Statistical analysis included t-test with p<0.05 considered significant. RESULTS. FSOT length did not differ significantly between groups (18.4 4.2 mm vs. 19.1 4.9 mm, p>0.05). The A-P diameter was significantly smaller in patients with CRS (2.9 1.9 mm vs. 3.8 2.3 mm, p=0.026). The FSOT angle was also significantly lower, indicating a more horizontal orientation (59.2 6.5 vs. 62.1 7.2, p=0.017). The UP–BLEB drainage pathway predominated in CRS (45.2% vs. 19.0%, p<0.001), whereas UP–MT was more frequent in controls (55.2% vs. 31.0%, p=0.001).CONCLUSION. A reduced A-P diameter and more horizontal FSOT orientation are anatomical risk factors for chronic frontal sinusitis. The UP–BLEB drainage pathway is strongly associated with CRS, while UP–MT appears protective. Integrating FSOT morphometry with FSDP classification enhances preoperative planning and may reduce surgical complications and recurrences.KEYWORDS: frontal recess configuration, frontal sinus outflow tract, frontal sinus drainage pathways, chronic frontal sinusitis, frontal sinus morphometry.</ns3:p>