Sensitivity and Specificity of A-mode Sonography in theDiagnosis of Affections of the Paranasal Sinuses

Overview

The authors submit a prospective study of the sensitivity and specificity of A modesonography in the diagnosis of disease of the paranasal sinuses. This method can diagnose in thearea of the paranasal sinuses three basic findings: a non-obstructed sinus, fluid in the sinus, solidtissue, i.e. a tumour. The objective of the study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of themethod in clinical practice and to compre the reliability and yield of the sonographic method ascompared with X-ray and CT examination of the paranasal sinuses.The results present values of sensitivity and specificity of the sonographic method obtained bycomparison with diagnostic conclusions based on the case-history, clinical examination, X-ray ofthe paranasal sinuses, possibly CT of the latter, puncture, peroperative findings or histologicalexamination. Part of the results is also a description of the reliability of the method in differentpathological conditions of the paranasal sinuses, based on the authors’ practical experience.In the final discusion the authors summarize possibilities of the sonographic method, draw attentionto advantages and disadvantages and the danger of incorrect interpretation of results. The authorssubmit a graphic algorithm of the diagnosis of diseases of the paranasal sinuses.

Key words:
A mode sonography of the paranasal sinuses, sensitivity, specificity, diagnosticalgorithm of disease of the paranasal sinuses.