[Ultrasound examination in presentation A for diagnosis of maxillary sinusitis in childhood]

Maxillary sinusitis is frequent in childhood. This study aimed at evaluating the value of ultra sound in presentation A in the diagnosis of maxillary sinusitis in childhood. Altogether 324 maxillary sinuses in 162 children were examined. A value of ultra sound examination was verified comparing the obtained results with the results of X-rays, considering three classifications of the latter. Besides the attempt of correlation of the results, ultra sound specificity and sensitivity were evaluated. Relatively high sensitivity and relatively low specificity of ultra sound technique were noted. It seems that ultra sound examination in presentation A may serve as a screening technique in children. Being sensitive and safe, this technique may be used in patients who require frequent examinations in persisting chronic disorders or recurrent maxillary sinusitis. However, the obtained results should be verified with X-rays because of the low specificity of ultra sound examination, especially prior to therapy of patients with unclear clinical picture of the disease.