A new score for tomographic opacificacation of paranasal sinuses in children

• Published in: Brazilian journal of otorhinolaryngology Vol. 76; no. 4; pp. 491 - 498
• Main Authors: de Araújo Neto, Severino Aires, Elias Baracat, Emílio Carlos, Felipe, Leonardo Franco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Editora Ltda 01.07.2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: Original; pediatrics; radiology; sinusitis; tomography; sinusitis; radiology; tomography; pediatrics
• ISSN: 1808-8694; 1808-8686
• DOI: 10.1590/S1808-86942010000400014

Many score methods have been created to measure paranasal sinus abnormalities seen under CT scan. Currently, the Lund-Mackay staging system is widely accepted. However, its results may be affected by the development in children. To assess the precision and accuracy of a new tomography score, called “opacification-development ratio”. It translates the percentage of sinus area that is opaque. A cross-sectional study was prospectively conducted in patients ranging from 0-18 years of age who underwent CT scan assessment of rhinosinusitis. Two independent radiologists examined each scan twice, using both the Lund system and the ratio herein proposed. The opacification-development ratio reached substantial intra and inter-examiner agreement, similar to the Lund system (Kappa > 0.60). Considering the Lund system as the gold standard, the most accurate cut-off point was approximately 15 (sensitivity and specificity approach 90%). There was a strong linear correlation between the two methods (r > 90). opacification-development ratio is precise and correlates with the Lund system. A cut-off point set at 15 could be used to call a test positive.