Grading adenoid utilizing flexible nasopharyngoscopy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the possibility of adenoid size asymmetry in both nasal sides by nasopharyngoscopy. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: This is a prospective study involving 100 children, with age ranging between 1 and 12 years, performed in Saudi Arabia between January 2010 and December 2011. METHODS: Adenoid was examined and graded I–IV in relation to posterior choana bilaterally by flexible nasopharyngoscopy. The adenoid grade was compared with the other side in each child. RESULTS: The findings from endoscopy were analyzed: there was a high degree of agreement in grading both sides, that was 92% with kappa=0.868. Moreover, there was grade asymmetry in 8% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Adenoid grading using flexible nasopharyngoscopy through one side of the nose may not represent the adenoid grade of the other side in all cases.