[Comparison of x-ray, echography and sinumanometry findings in paranasal sinusitis (author's transl)]

Comparative echography and x-ray findings in suspected paranasal sinus disease reveal a good liability of negative x-ray reports. Positiv findings i.e. the diagnosis of mucous membrane thickening in the maxillary sinus and clouding of the frontal sinus are often misleading. Echography is reliable in diagnosing retention of sinus secretions. The patency of the maxillary ostium for air was tested in patients with complete opacity of the sinus. There was a significant difference between air or fluid containing sinuses, using echography as a control. Complete radiographic opacity has no bearing on ostial patency. In air containing sinuses with radiographic opacity, ostial permeability is slightly affected, the ostium nevertheless being patent for respiratory pressure changes.