Correlation of Symptoms of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Objective Sino Nasal Examination: A Prospective Observational Study

Background: CT scan and Diagnostic nasal endoscopy [DNE] can both be used in diagnosis and management of Chronic rhinosinusitis [CRS]; however, it has been a matter of debate as to which of these two modalities is effective in terms of cost, ease off doing and better correlationAim of the work: This study intends to correlate the severity of the symptoms of CRS with DNE and CT scan findings vis-a-vis correlating the scores between the two diagnostic modalities and concluding as to which off them is more effective.Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study done at a tertiary teaching hospital. Patients satisfying the diagnostic criteria of CRS by American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery were shortlisted for study. The duration of symptoms and severity score of all patients was recorded. All participants were then subjected to CT scan and DNE. The Qualitative and quantitative variables were compared with help of Spearman Rank correlation coefficient test. A p-value of < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. SPSS version 19.0 was used for analysis.Results: A total of 128 patients diagnosed with CRS participated in the study. There were 56 [43.7%] males and 73 [57.03%] females. Correlation was between all the parameters such as severity score and CT Scan scores, severity score and DNE scores, CT scan scores and DNE scores [right side, left side and bilateral combined] were statistically significant.Conclusion: In the patients who meet the symptoms criteria for diagnosis of CRS had high-level of diagnostic accuracy with both CT scan and DNE. Since both the test and symptoms severity correlates well, doing either one of them will suffice in diagnosis. DNE being readily available in Otolaryngology department can be chosen over CT scan thereby reducing cost and radiation exposure to patient.