Radiology, ultrasound and endoscopy in the diagnosis of chronic sinusitis

ABSTRACT

This study was directed to evaluate the ultrasonographic examination of the paranasal sinuses, compared with conventional plain radiography after confirming the diagnosis endoscopically. Computerized tomography was the standard diagnostic tool. The study comprised 20 patients [13 males and 7 females], attending the Ear, Nose and Throat Department of Assiut University Hospital. The majority of the patients were in the 2nd decade of life. The most common symptoms were post nasal discharge, nasal obstruction and headache. Conventional radiographic study was more sensitive than ultrasonography in disease detection [88.88% versus 65.59%], while ultrasound [US] and endoscopy were nearly of the same sensitivity. Ultrasound was found to have higher specificity value in the detection of mucosal thickening and polyp formation, but less specific for fluid level detection. Ultrasonography may be considered as a specific diagnostic tool of the sinusitis