Ultrasonography: A novel diagnostic tool for maxillary sinusitis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in maxillary sinusitis keeping computed tomography as a gold standard.
Methodology: This is a Cross Sectional Comparative clinical study which prospectively included N=60 cases of suspected maxillary sinusitis using convenience sample. Sample of either gender, above 10 years age was recruited from otolaryngology and radiology departments of Capital Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan from 1st December 2019 to 29th February, 2020. Basic demographic sheet, Computed tomography imaging of Paranasal sinuses and Ultrasound of Maxillary sinuses were used for data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS 23. Results were presented with frequency, percentage, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV and Accuracy Rate.
Results: Sample comprised 27(45%) males and 33(55%) females with majority 31(51.7%) of 36-50 years age group. Compared to Gold standard investigation of computed tomography imaging, Ultrasonography was calculated to have a sensitivity of 96.4% for diagnosing sinusitis, however its specificity was only 25%, making an accuracy rate of 93.22%. The PPV of ultrasonography was 94.7%, while the NPV was 33.3% (table 2)
Conclusion: US with an accuracy rate of 93.22% and a sensitivity of 96.4% has benefits of safety, easy availability and low cost and hence is an important investigation for maxillary sinusitis evaluation.