Prevalence of Antral Pseudocysts in the Pediatric Population

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to determine the previously unreported prevalence of antral pseudocysts in an exclusively pediatric dental population, characterize their presentation, and investigate potential correlates to the presence of these lesions. Methods: A tripartite chart review was conducted of 2,000 five- to 21-year-old pediatric dental patients at Yale-New Haven Hospital for the presence of antral pseudocysts identifiable on panoramic radiographs. Demographic, medical, and dental variables potentially influencing their pathogenesis were analyzed via descriptive statistics, odds ratios, and Fisher's exact test. Results: Thirty-six antral pseudocysts were identified in the study sample (1.8 percent). They presented as asymptomatic solitary lesions with a slight male predominance and occurring with greater frequency in individuals with reported allergies. No significant relationship was found between maxillary extractions, orthodontics, obstructive sleep apnea, or history of orofacial trauma and the presence of antral pseudocysts. Conclusion: The prevalence of antral pseudocysts in the pediatric dental population falls among the lower end of ranges previously reported in the literature and may reflect their development over time in response to environmental exposures.