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. 2024 Jul 17;24(1):810.
doi: 10.1186/s12903-024-04511-3.

Prevalence of Zygomatic Air Cell defects in a sample of 6-18-year-old patients in Saudi Arabia and Yemen: a retrospective study

Thiyezen Abdullah Aldhelai  1   2 , Zainab M Altawili  3 , Zeyad Alsughier  1 , Abeer A Almashraqi  4
Affiliations

Prevalence of Zygomatic Air Cell defects in a sample of 6-18-year-old patients in Saudi Arabia and Yemen: a retrospective study

Thiyezen Abdullah Aldhelai et al. BMC Oral Health. .

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the prevalence and influencing factors of Zygomatic Air Cell Defects (ZACD) among pediatric and adolescent populations in Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted, utilizing digital panoramic radiographs of dental outpatients aged 6 to 18 years. The data were collected from registered digital databases of dental clinics in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, and an oral and maxillofacial radiology center in Sana'a, Yemen, covering the period from July 2018 to September 2022. The radiographs were evaluated based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and ZACD was assessed using standardized descriptions. Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, was employed to examine the impact of the associated factors.

Results: The study encompassed a total of 3,169 participants, revealing an overall ZACD prevalence of 28.5%. Age emerged as a significant predictor (p ≤ 0.0001), with the likelihood of ZACD increasing as the age of the individual advances. Gender and geographic region did not exhibit statistically significant differences in ZACD prevalence.

Conclusion: This study provides crucial insights into the prevalence of Zygomatic Air Cell Defects among pediatric and adolescent populations in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. It underscores the prevalence of ZACD and the notable influence of age on its occurrence. Additionally, the research challenges prior notions of gender and regional variations in ZACD prevalence, emphasizing the complexity of the factors involved. Early detection is essential to avoid unwanted complications during any surgical intervention in this area.

Keywords: Child; Pneumatization; Prevalence; Retrospective study; Saudi Arabia; Yemen; Zygomatic Air Cell defect.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Panoramic radiograph showing no pneumatisation (no ZACD) on both sides
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Panoramic radiograph showing unilocular ZACD on the right side and multilocular ZACD on the left side
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Panoramic radiograph showing bilateral multilocular ZACD on both sides
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Panoramic radiograph showing bilateral unilocular ZACD on both sides
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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