How frequent are accessory sinus ostia?

The frequency of accessory sinus ostia (ASO) has been estimated at between four and 50 per cent in the findings of studies designed for other purposes or from uncontrolled observations. The literature revealed no study specifically designed to determine the prevalence of ASO. We have carried out a prospective cohort study to measure the prevalence of ASO. The prevalence of ASO was determined in rhinology clinic patients and general ENT clinic controls. Overall ASO occurred in four per cent. Seven per cent of rhinology patients and two per cent of controls had ASO. Of the rhinology patients with rhinitis or sinusitis, eight per cent exhibited ASO. The overall prevalence in this study is lower than most quoted figures in the literature. There was increased prevalence of ASO in patients with rhinitis or sinusitis compared to controls. (p<0.05) This study should be regarded as a pilot study and further investigations of the relationship between ASO and nasal disease is merited.