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Patterns of sinusitis in cystic fibrosis
1Department of Otolaryngology/Bronchoesophagology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
The Laryngoscope
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Pediatric dogma suggested cystic fibrosis (CF) caused widespread sinus issues. This study found distinct sinus disease patterns in children with CF, with surgery offering significant symptom relief.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Pulmonology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Pediatric dogma posits that most children with cystic fibrosis (CF) experience pansinusitis with minimal symptoms.
- This premise required reassessment due to evolving understanding of CF-related complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the prevalence and presentation of sinus disease in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients.
- To compare symptoms, clinical findings, and treatment outcomes in children with CF-related sinusitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 19 children with cystic fibrosis who underwent computed tomography (CT) for sinus evaluation.
- Comparison of symptoms, clinical examinations, radiographic findings, and surgical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Two distinct sinus disease patterns were identified: chronic sinusitis (n=3) and nasal polyposis (n=12).
- Children with chronic sinusitis predominantly reported headaches, while those with polyposis experienced nasal obstruction.
- Surgery resulted in marked and lasting symptom improvement for 14 of the 19 patients.
Conclusions:
- The presentation of sinus disease in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients is more varied than previously assumed.
- Surgical intervention appears to be an effective treatment for symptomatic sinus disease in this population.
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