Radiologic evaluation is indispensable for diagnosis of chronic sinusitis. Ostiomeatal unit computed tomography(OMU CT) was known to be more accurate than a conventional X-ray. However, many clinicians prefer conventional X-ray as screening test
for low
cost, small radiation dose and easy perfomance.
We compared OMU CT with conventional X-ray views in 306 patients(612 sides) who were suspected of having chronic sinusitis. Coronal CT was taken after conventional X-ray examination, and intervals between the two examinations were 0 to 4days.
Correspondence rate of OMU CT findings with conventional X-ray ones was 72.1% in the maxillary sinuses of adult group, 60.0% in the ethmoid sinuses of the same group, 47.4% in the maxillary sinuses of pediatric group, and 38.8% in the ethmoid
sinuses of
the same group.
If all OMU CT findings had been accurate, the rate of false negative with conventional X-ray views was 9.75 in maxillary sinuses of adult group, and 15.1% in ethmoid sinuses of same group, 16.4% in maxillary sinuses of pediatric group, and 15.6%
in
ethmoid sinuses of same group. While, rate of false positive was 3.4% in maxillary sinuses of adult group, and 0.6% in ethmoid sinuses of same group, 10.3% in maxillary sinuses of pediatric group, and 4.3% in ethmoid sinuses of same group.
Our result indicates that if conventional X-ray findings are doubtful in diagnosis of sinus pathology or surgical intervention is planned, it is necessary to recommend CT.(Korean J Otolaryngol 39 : 4, 1996)
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