Correlation of plain radiological diagnostic features with antral lavage results in chronic maxillary sinusitis

To justify the continued relevance of plain radiography of maxillary sinus in establishing diagnosis and planning treatment of chronic maxillary sinusitis, its specificity and predictive values must have a high degree of confidence. The objective of this study was to examine different plain radiographic features and correlate them with antral lavage results in patients suffering from chronic maxillary sinusitis. Air-fluid level and antral opacity have specificity of 92.3% each and positive predictive value of 87.5% and 96.0% respectively. Gross mucosal thickening and haziness showed low specificity and predictive values of 36.7% and 29.4% respectively. Normality of radiographs was reliable in predicting clear antral lavage effluent. Plain radiograph of the maxillary sinus is still relevant in establishing diagnosis and planning treatment in chronic maxillary sinusitis.