Diagnostic Accuracy of Nasal Endoscopy as Compared to Computed Tomography in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

The study was done with the aims to evaluate the accuracy of nasal endoscopy as compared to computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and to evaluate the correlation between Endoscopy Score and CT Score. It was a cross sectional study. Every consecutive, symptomatic patient of CRS who fulfilled the criteria of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Task Force were included in the study. Rigid diagnostic nasal endoscopy (DNE) was done and Lund-Kennedy scoring system was used. Plain CT of paranasal sinuses was done on the same day and severity was assessed using Lund-Mackay scoring system. Results were analysed considering CT as a gold standard. Out of 54 study patients, 45 (83.33%) had abnormal endoscopic examination while 50 (92.59%) were showing positive CT scan. Sensitivity and specificity of DNE against CT scan were 94% (95% CI 81.43-98.33%) and 75% (95% CI 42-99.24%), respectively. The positive predictive value was 98% and negative predictive value was 67%. Correlation between Lund-Mackay overall CT and Lund-Kennedy Endoscopy Score was high [Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) = 0.881, p value < 0.0001]. The conclusion was drawn that, endoscopy is valuable in individuals with symptoms consistent with CRS and can be used to confirm the diagnosis and to know the severity of the disease. CT scan can be advised in those with high clinical suspicion of CRS but negative endoscopy and in those having persistent symptoms after optimum medical management requiring Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.