Maxillary sinusitis after nasotracheal intubation.

Maxillary sinusitis resulting from nasotracheal intubation is rare, occurring in approximately 2% of patients receiving ventilatory assistance. We have described two examples of this situation. In one case, the sinusitis caused bacteremia. The diagnosis can be made easily by a portable Water's view of the paranasal sinuses. Clinicians should be aware of this potentially serious complication in intubated patients.