CT scan not always a good predictor of sinusitis

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J Cyst Fibros. 2011 Oct 19. [Epub ahead of print]CT of the paranasal sinuses is not a valid indicator for sinus surgery in CF patients.Rasmussen J, Aanæs K, Norling R, Nielsen KG, Johansen HK, von Buchwald C.SourceDepartment of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.AbstractBACKGROUND:No guidelines comprise when or to what extent sinus surgery should be done in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) or how a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses should influence the decision. Symptoms of rhinosinusitis and/or eradication of pathogenic bacteria from the sinuses are reasons for sinus surgery.METHODS:In this observational cross sectional study, 55 CF cases had their preoperative CT scans scored according to the Lund Mackay- and the Nair-system. Correlations between the CT scans, symptoms, surgical findings and cultures obtained during sinus surgery were made.RESULTS:There was no significant correlation between the CT score and detection of pus, pathogenic bacteria or symptoms. Pus and pathogenic bacteria were found in several cases without sinus opacification on the CT scan. Non pathogenic and sterile cultures were also found in sinuses with opacification.CONCLUSIONS:A CT scan is not a valid criterion for sinus surgery in CF patients.Copyright © 2011 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.