Reliability of radiographic parameters in adenoid evaluation

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Otolaryngology
• Pediatric Imaging

Background:

• Adenoid assessment via X-ray imaging is debated.
• Limited studies evaluate the reliability of current radiographic parameters for adenoids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To verify the reproducibility of adenoid radiographic assessment methods.
• To assess both intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliability.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional case series involving 40 children (4-14 years).
• Children selected for nasal obstruction or mouth breathing with suspected pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy.
• Cavum X-rays and orthodontic teleradiographs assessed quantitatively and categorically by two examiners.

Main Results:

• All quantitative parameters in both X-ray types exhibited excellent intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility.
• Categorical parameters in cavum X-rays showed better performance with C-Kurien, C-Wang, C-Fujioka, and C-Elwany compared to C-Cohen and C-Ysunza.
• McNamara grading system for orthodontic teleradiographs proved more reliable than Holmberg.

Conclusions:

• Most adenoid assessment instruments demonstrate adequate reproducibility.
• Further research is necessary to determine the accuracy and viability of each specific method.