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Imaging of sinusitis in children
1Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, MO, USA.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|November 26, 1999
Summary
Sinusitis is usually diagnosed clinically. While imaging aids atypical cases, plain radiographs and CT scans lack specificity for diagnosis, but CT is useful for detecting complications or surgical planning.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Radiology
Background:
- Sinusitis diagnosis is primarily clinical.
- Imaging modalities have limitations in diagnosing sinusitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of imaging in sinusitis.
- To define the role of imaging in atypical sinusitis presentations and complications.
Main Methods:
- Review of imaging techniques for sinusitis.
- Analysis of sensitivity and specificity of plain radiographs and CT scans.
Main Results:
- Plain radiographs demonstrate low sensitivity and specificity for sinusitis.
- Coronal CT scans for sinusitis lack specificity.
- CT scans are valuable for identifying sinusitis complications.
Conclusions:
- Sinusitis diagnosis relies mainly on clinical assessment.
- Imaging is reserved for atypical presentations, suspected complications, or surgical consideration.