Sensitivity of Sinus Radiography Compared to Computed Tomogram: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study from Western Region of Nepal

INTRODUCTION: Radiography of the paranasal sinuses is commonly used diagnostic modality. However, the trustworthiness of plain radiographic findings of paranasal sinuses is debatable. The intention of this study was to weigh the diagnostic soundness of plain radiograph of the paranasal sinuses to that of computed tomogram scan. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross sectional study carried out in 110 participants in Department of Radiology of Gandaki Medical College from November 2017 to April 2018. Ethical approval is obtained from Institution review board (Ref. No.39/074/075). Sample size was calculated taking confidence level of 95%, expected prevalence of 14% and precision of 6.5% in population of 492098 in Province 4 of Nepal. Random sampling method was used. Data was enter in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17 software and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 110 participants are included in this study of which 62 (56.4%) are females and 48 (43.6%) are males with an overall mean age of 34.5 years. The commonly involved sinus was maxillary 56 (50.9%) followed by ethmoid 33 (30%) sinus. The overall sensitivity and specificity of detecting sinusitis by sinus radiography is higher for maxillary sinus (89.7% and 87%) followed by ethmoid (69.7% and 96.1%) and frontal (61.5% and 96.9%) sinuses. CONCLUSIONS: Sinus radiography is more sensitive for detecting pathologies in maxillary sinuses, while it is moderate for frontal, ethmoid sinuses and least for sphenoid sinuses. Diagnostic accuracy of computed tomogram scan is more, hence should be recommended to characterize the complex pathology and anatomy of the osteomeatal complex.