Comparison of Plain X-rays and OMU (Osteo-Meatal-Unit) CT Scans in Children with Chronic Sinusitis

Ryu, Ho Jun; Lee, Gang Woo; Kim, Il Kyong; Seong, Ho; Choi, Chang Hee; Jung, Seok Tae

Abstract

PURPOSE
In general, sinusitis in children is diagnosed by clinical symptom and paranasal sinus x-ray. Sinus plain x-rays in children is simple, inexpensive, and speedy. However, it requires proper interpretative techniques, because different development of each sinus, soft tissues overlying sinuses and bony structure require precise diagnosis. This study was conducted to compare plain x-rays with OMU CT scans.
METHODS
From September 1996 through August 1997, thirty nine patients who were diagnosed as sinusitis based on clinical symptoms and plain x-rays at the pediatric department of Seoul Adventist Hospital were studied. Water's view, Caldwell's view and lateral view were taken for the plain x-rays with concurrent OMU CT scans prior to treatments.
RESULTS
Ten cases (25.6%) out of 39 patients showed posterior nasal drip and fourteen cases (35.9%) showed nasal obstruction. Twelve cases (30.8%) were related to allergic diseases and seven cases (58.3%) among these 12 cases were bronchial asthma. Sensitivity of plain x-ray were 88.5+/-12.9% for maxillary sinuses, and 59.9+/-13.65% for ethmoidal sinuses.
CONCLUSION
When maxillary sinusitis is suspected, plain X-ray for maxillary sinuses is enough to diagnose sinusitis, but for ethmoidal sinuses it may be underestimated or overestimated in comparison with OMU CT scan. Ethmoidal sinusitis requires careful diagnosis and follow-up because it plays important roll for chronic sinusitis due to its structure. Therefore, we recommends OMU CT scan to diagnose paranasal sinusitis of children with plain X-ray.