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Radiography and ultrasonography in paranasal sinusitis.
Acta Radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987)
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Ultrasonography shows promise for diagnosing maxillary sinusitis, detecting fluid in 78% of cases. However, it is less reliable for frontal sinusitis and identifying mucosal swelling compared to radiography.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Sinusitis diagnosis often relies on radiography.
- Evaluating alternative diagnostic methods like ultrasonography is crucial for improving patient care and reducing radiation exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography compared to radiography for sinusitis.
- To determine if ultrasonography can replace radiography in diagnosing sinusitis.
Main Methods:
- 138 patients with clinical sinusitis signs underwent both ultrasonography and radiography.
- A subgroup of 45 patients had fluid confirmed by maxillary sinus puncture.
- Diagnostic performance of both imaging modalities was compared.
Main Results:
- Ultrasonography detected maxillary sinus fluid with confidence increasing with fluid volume.
- In the subgroup, ultrasonography identified fluid in 78% (35/45) and radiography in 84% (38/45) of cases.
- Ultrasonography showed poor visualization of mucosal swelling, polyps, or cysts and was unreliable for frontal sinus diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonography is a viable screening tool for maxillary sinusitis and useful for treatment follow-up.
- Radiography remains superior for detecting mucosal changes and diagnosing frontal sinusitis.