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Prevalence of sinusitis signs on MRI in a non-ENT paediatric population

F Gordts1, P A Clement, A Destryker

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital, Free University, Brussels, Belgium.

Rhinology
|April 9, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Sinusitis is common in children with neurological disease, affecting 45% of those studied. Pediatric sinusitis presents differently and more severely than in adults, often involving the sphenoidal and posterior ethmoidal sinuses.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Sinusitis is a common condition with varying prevalence and presentation in different age groups.
  • Intracranial neurological diseases in children can sometimes be associated with secondary conditions like sinusitis.
  • Understanding the prevalence and patterns of sinusitis in pediatric populations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of sinusitis signs in children with suspected intracranial neurological disease.
  • To compare the prevalence and patterns of sinusitis in children versus adults.
  • To identify clinical factors associated with sinusitis in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from 100 children with suspected intracranial neurological disease.
  • Assessment of sinusitis signs, including lesion location and severity.
  • Correlation of MRI findings with clinical history, including nasal obstruction and upper respiratory tract infections, and anterior rhinoscopy findings.

Main Results:

  • Overall prevalence of sinusitis signs on MRI in children was 45%, higher than the 39% in adults.
  • Pediatric sinusitis lesions were often more severe and involved sphenoidal and posterior ethmoidal sinuses, unlike the predominantly maxillary and anterior ethmoidal involvement in adults.
  • Prevalence increased with a history of nasal obstruction (50%), recent upper respiratory tract infection (81%), bilateral mucosal swelling (80%), and purulent secretions (100%).

Conclusions:

  • Sinusitis is a frequent finding in children with suspected intracranial neurological disease, with a distinct pattern and greater severity compared to adults.
  • Clinical signs such as nasal obstruction, recent upper respiratory tract infection, and specific rhinoscopic findings are associated with a higher prevalence of sinusitis in this pediatric group.
  • These findings highlight the importance of considering and evaluating sinusitis in the diagnostic workup of children with neurological conditions.

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