The application of ultrasound examination in the treatment of Acute Sinusitis. Comparing X-ray to ultrasound of paranasal sinuses

Background: Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is one of the most common diseases encountered in the out-patient setting. X-ray of the paranasal sinuses is the gold standard in the diagnosis of ARS with its accessibility and accuracy. Ultrasound examination of the paranasal sinuses is a noninvasive diagnostic method which is an acceptable alternative in the follow-up of the treatment. Aim: To present the application of portable sinuson in the out-patient setting on patients with ARS and its effectiveness. Materials and Methods: 22 patients (12m/10f) underwent X-ray of the paranasal sinuses, which resulted in ARS. The results of the X-rays were compared with the ultrasound examination of the paranasal sinuses with a portable sinuson (SINUSULTRA ULTRAMAX). The examination was repeated on the 1-st and 2-nd week and 2 months after the treatment for ARS. Results: From the 22 patients – 10 were with unilateral maxillary sinusitis, 7 with bilateral sinusitis and 5 with pansinusitis. 5 (22%) false positives were registered from the ultrasound examination on the initial check-up, 3 (13%) false negatives were registered on the follow-ups on the 1-st and the 2-nd week, 2 (9%) false negatives were registered 2 months after the treatment for ARS. Conclusion: Ultrasound examination of the paranasal sinuses is a noninvasive, painless, fast and with an adequate degree of accuracy. It is a good alternative for children and pregnant women. Ultrasound examination can be applied in the follow-up of ARS.