Antroscopy: its place in clinical practice. A comparison of antroscopic findings with radiographic appearances of the maxillary sinus

Abstract

One hundred and fifteen patients with chronic nasal symptoms underwent both radiological and antroscopic investigation of their maxillary sinuses. A total of 193 antra were studied. The radiological diagnosis completely correlated with the antroscopic findings in only 44% of the cases. The reasons for this discrepancy are discussed as well as the additional limitations of radiology in the diagnosis of the opaque antrum and the accurate detection of sinus fluid. Antroscopy provides accurate information about the nature of mucosal changes, the presence of secretions and the state of the natural ostium. This technique therefore ensures a precise diagnosis on which appropriate primary treatment can be based as well as offering the most reliable means of selecting patients who require surgery. The potential for detecting early antral tumours is stressed. It is concluded that antroscopy is the most useful investigation in the management of chronic conditions of the maxillary sinus. However, radiology still has its place as a primary screening test, particularly when the radiographic findings are negative.