Differential Diagnosis for Left Maxillary Sinus Opacification
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Acute bacterial sinusitis: This is the most common cause of maxillary sinus opacification, often resulting from an upper respiratory tract infection that spreads to the sinuses, leading to inflammation and obstruction of the infundibulum.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Chronic sinusitis: Prolonged inflammation and infection of the sinuses can cause persistent opacification and obstruction of the infundibulum.
- Allergic fungal sinusitis: An allergic reaction to fungal elements in the sinus can cause opacification and obstruction, often associated with nasal polyps.
- Antrochoanal polyp: A benign growth originating from the maxillary sinus can obstruct the infundibulum and cause opacification.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Sinus cancer: Although rare, malignancies such as squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma can cause sinus opacification and obstruction, making prompt diagnosis crucial.
- Invasive fungal sinusitis: A life-threatening condition, especially in immunocompromised patients, where fungal infection invades the sinus tissue.
- Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that can cause chronic sinusitis and opacification due to thick, viscous secretions.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sinus mucocele: A rare condition where a mucus-filled cyst forms in the sinus, causing opacification and obstruction.
- Wegener's granulomatosis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause sinus inflammation and opacification.
- Sinus osteoma: A rare benign bone tumor that can obstruct the infundibulum and cause opacification.