Alveolar Recess of the Maxillary Sinus Mimicking aRadicular Cyst : A Diagnostic Challenge and SystematicLiterature Search

Article Article scientifique Rapport de cas Alveolar Recess of the Maxillary Sinus Mimicking aRadicular Cyst : A Diagnostic Challenge and SystematicLiterature Search eng 2026-06-22 2026 author Perez Alexandre 633750 author Cimini Valerio 411792 author Reymann Cynthia Rebecca 659550 author Joumaa Nermine 871042 author Lombardi Tommaso 22312 2142677 10.1155/crid/2142677 42344135 2090-6455 PMC13287089 Background: Misdiagnosis on radiographic examination is a significant risk for dentists and medical practitioners. This review focuses on an anatomical variation of the maxillary sinus that can mimic a radicular (periapical) cyst. Knowledge of morphological variations, their prevalence, and the radiographic criteria distinguishing these variations from true lesions is essential to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment and to prevent unnecessary or potentially harmful interventions. Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic literature search of published cases and to present a clinical case illustrating a specific maxillary sinus variant, an enlarged sinus with a prominent alveolar recess that can mimic a periapical cyst on radiographs. Methods: After defining specific MeSH terms, a systematic literature search was conducted across three databases: Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase. Relevant articles reporting on enlarged maxillary sinuses with alveolar recesses resembling radicular cysts were identified and analyzed. Results: Four articles describing the presence of an enlarged maxillary sinus with an alveolar recess resembling a periapical cyst were extracted from the literature. Conclusion: Knowledge gaps regarding the alveolar recess of the maxillary sinus remain in the literature and should be addressed to avoid misdiagnosis. The findings also underscore the importance of three-dimensional imaging, such as CT or CBCT, for accurate detection of this anatomical variant. Dewey 617.6 Dewey 617 214 Enseignement de chirurgie orale et implantologie 24R 57 Département de chirurgie 222 false 238 Groupe Lombardi Tommaso (médecine dentaire) 313 Case Reports in Dentistry 2026 41a47fb4-bb54-4e3b-87f8-f58a4ca95538 Article (Published version) Public Case_Reports_in_Dentistry_-_2026_-_.pdf 1500381 application/pdf CC BY-4.0 c1c01c23b58dfbf6ee08285db096111df3de1176adf94c763e10587972db74bf openAccess Faculté de médecine / Section de médecine dentaire / Enseignement de chirurgie orale et implantologie Faculté de médecine / Section de médecine clinique / Département de chirurgie

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Alveolar Recess of the Maxillary Sinus Mimicking aRadicular Cyst : A Diagnostic Challenge and SystematicLiterature Search	Case Reports in Dentistry			2026	18	11

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Reymann, Cynthia

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