A comparative study of clinical and radiological findings in operated patients of chronic rhinosinusitis

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common inflammatory disorder affecting 11% of the population, leading to significant morbidity and economic burden. It presents with nasal obstruction, discharge, facial pain, and anosmia, with or without nasal polyps. Anatomical variations also contribute to disease severity. This study evaluates the correlation between clinical and radiological findings in CRS patients undergoing surgery.
Methods: A prospective study of 50 CRS patients undergoing surgery was conducted from May 2022 to June 2024. All patients underwent nasal endoscopy and non-contrast CT scans. Findings were analyzed based on Kennedy CT staging and intraoperative observations.
Results: The male-to-female ratio was 1.27:1, with 50% of patients in their 3rd and 4th decades. Nasal blockage (82%) was the most common symptom. Nasal endoscopy detected polyps in 68% and deviated nasal septum in 64%. Computed tomography of paranasal siuses (CT PNS) showed sinus involvement in 90%, with maxillary (94%) and ethmoid (90%) sinuses most commonly affected. Kennedy CT staging correlated best with intraoperative findings in stages II and IV.
Conclusion: CRS is a prevalent condition, primarily presenting with nasal blockage. Nasal endoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool, while CT scan remains the gold standard for disease assessment and surgical planning. However, CT findings may overestimate disease extent, highlighting the need for intraoperative confirmation.