Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography in diagnosis of maxillary sinusitis as compared to antral lavage

To compare the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of maxillary sinusitis as compared to antral lavage. Validation study. Otolaryngology Department Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi from 1st march 07 to 28th February 2008. Consenting 60 patients diagnosed clinically as a case of sinusitis, presenting in ENT OPD during the study period fitting the inclusion criteria were selected. Ultrasonography of maxillary sinuses focusing on fluid level was done of all the patients. After ultrasonography all the patients had an antral lavage with isotonic saline to look for mucopurulent discharge. Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography was evaluated in diagnosis of maxillary sinusitis. The sensitivity of ultrasonography in diagnosis of maxillary sinusitis taking antral lavage as Gold Standard was very low 35.89%. The specificity of ultrasonography in diagnosis of maxillary sinusitis taking antral lavage as Gold Standard is good i.e. 80.95%.Ultrasonography has low sensitivity but high specificity in diagnosis of maxillary sinusitis.