Radiographic evaluation of nasopalatine canal and its relationship with infraorbital foramen and foramen palatinum majus

Aim

The aim of this study is to compare the morphological and dimensional characteristics of the nasopalatine canal (NPC) with those of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) and foramen palatinum majus (FPM) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Material and Methods

In CBCT images, the morphological characteristics and dimensional measurements of the three anatomical structures (NPC, bilateral IOF, and FPM) were retrospectively analyzed. In the axial section, the widest diameter of the NPC was measured and categorized based on imaging; normal NPC: (≤6 mm), enlarged NPC (>6 mm and ≤10 mm) and pathology-suspected group, (>10 mm), radiographically suggestive of nasopalatine canal cysts (NPCC). This grouping was purely based on imaging findings and does not equate to a confirmed diagnosis of NPCC, as no histopathological verification was performed.

Results

70 patients were included in the normal NPC group, 70 patients in the enlarged NPC group, and 20 patients in the pathology-suspected NPC group. No statistically significant relationship was found between age, sex, and dentition status across the normal, enlarged, and pathology-suspected groups. The vertical diameter of the IOF was significantly higher in the enlarged and pathology-suspected groups. For the FPM, although an increasing tendency was observed bilaterally, statistically significant increases in A-P and M-L diameters were found only on the right side. (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results indicated that NPC enlargement is associated with increased dimensions of the IOF and FPM. Based on these findings, it can be suggested that individuals with a wider NPC, especially when accompanied by enlarged IOF and FPM, may have a higher radiographic risk profile for NPCC development.