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Non-invasive diagnostics of the maxillary and frontal sinuses based on diode laser gas spectroscopy
M Lewander1, S Lindberg, T Svensson
1Division of Atomic Physics, Department of Physics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
Problem:
Suspected, but objectively absent, rhinosinusitis constitutes a major cause of visits to the doctor, high health care costs, and the over-prescription of antibiotics, contributing to the serious problem of resistant bacteria. This situation is largely due to a lack of reliable and widely applicable diagnostic methods.
Method:
A novel method for the diagnosis of rhinosinusitis based on non-intrusive diode laser gas spectroscopy is presented. The technique is based on light absorption by free gas (oxygen and water vapour) inside the sinuses, and has the potential to be a complementary diagnostic tool in primary health care. The method was evaluated on 40 patients with suspected sinus problems, referred to the diagnostic radiology clinic for low-dose computed tomography (CT), which was used as the reference technique.
Main Results:
The data obtained with the new laser-based method correlated well with the grading of opacification and ventilation using CT. The sensitivity and specificity were estimated to be 93% and 61%, respectively, for the maxillary sinuses, and 94% and 86%, respectively, for the frontal sinuses. Good reproducibility was shown.
Principal Conclusion:
The laser-based technique presents real-time clinical data that correlate well to CT findings, while being non-intrusive and avoiding the use of ionizing radiation.
