Incidental magnetic resonance image sinus abnormalities in asymptomatic Australian children

Abstract

Plain X-rays, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans performed for non-ENT reasons often reveal incidental sinus mucosal changes. These changes need to be correlated clinically before diagnosing rhinosinusitis. This study examined the prevalence of such changes in MRI scans in children up to age 16. Scans were scored using an adapted Lund-Mackay classification and were positive when one or more sinuses showed abnormalities. Randomly selected scans in the retrospective arm revealed a prevalence of 20 of 62 (32.3 per cent). In the prospective arm 45 of 60 children were defined as truly asymptomatic, of which 14 scans (31 per cent) were positive. Other studies in adults and children using CT and MRI report a prevalence range of roughly 30 to 45 per cent. This variability may be attributed to differences of study design, definitions of population age, definitions of asymptomatic and definition of abnormal sinus. Other plausible factors to explain regional differences are climate and frequency of upper respiratory tract infections.

The prevalence and significance of incidental middle ear and mastoid cavity abnormalities on MRI in a pediatric population

“…The 27.1% of frequency of mastoid cavity and/or middle ear abnormality of our patients was well accordant with other studies [2,3]. The incidence of paranasal sinus abnormalities reported in this study is similar to that reported in Lim et al's study (32.3%) [7] and lower than Gordts et al's (45%) [8]. We have failed to detect any correlation between middle ear and mastoid cavity abnormalities and paranasal sinus pathologies on either side as the study of Blomgren et al [2].…”

Prevalence of incidental maxillary sinus pathologies in dental patients on cone-beam computed tomographic images

“…[16] The variations in the results of our study can be attributed to the different imaging modality,[89101114] population addressed in the study,[1522] variation in sample size[1617] and the definition of abnormality, which is considered. [1823242526]…”

Evidence‐based recommendations regarding the differential diagnosis and assessment of nasal congestion: using the new GRADE system

“…Magnetic resonance imaging findings can be abnormal without any correlation with symptoms as was determined by using a modified Lund-Mackay scoring system. This is highly suggestive that MRI has no additional value in the evaluation of presence or severity of nasal congestion (101). No literature regarding correlations between MRI findings and subjective symptom scores was found.…”