Radiologic reporting for paranasal sinus computed tomography: A multi‐institutional review of content and consistency

Abstract

2b.

Assessment of pneumatization of the paranasal sinuses: a comprehensive and validated metric

“…In their original proposal of a staging system for CRS, Lund and Mackay note anatomic variants; however, these were not included in a comprehensive score . Previous work has also highlighted the need for standardized reporting of sinus CT . Standardized instruments are not widely used for reporting of paranasal sinus anatomy on CT, although such templates are routinely utilized for thyroid ultrasound, breast mammogram, and prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) .…”

“…Previous work has also highlighted the need for standardized reporting of sinus CT . Standardized instruments are not widely used for reporting of paranasal sinus anatomy on CT, although such templates are routinely utilized for thyroid ultrasound, breast mammogram, and prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) . Various structures have been identified as clinically useful, including anterior ethmoid artery location, agger nasi cell presence, middle turbinate variants, and maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinus size, and pneumatization pattern .…”

“…The most immediate clinical relevance of the APPS instrument is to provide a group of validated anatomic variants for standardized evaluation of sinus CT. Furthermore, enhanced communication between radiologists and otolaryngologists is fundamental for improving the quality of radiographic reports and in managing patients with sinonasal disease . The APPS instrument validates 9 parameters for consistent identification, and can form the basis for reliable communication of anatomic sinus variation between clinicians.…”

“…Nevertheless, characterizing the extent of paranasal sinus pneumatization by a comprehensive, systematic, and validated method has been elusive. Anatomic variation has also been identified as a critical item for standardizing the reporting of sinus computed tomography (CT), and evidence suggests that modern CT techniques reliably approximate actual anatomy . Radiographic metrics utilizing sinus CT have been well established and validated for assessing the extent of disease by sinus opacification .…”

“ABCDEF Checklist" based on 3D radiological images for preoperative planning of endoscopic sinus surgery

“…There is great diversity in sinonasal anatomy and sinonasal landmarks (10,11) , so it is necessary to have a detailed study of radiological images in order to assess each patient individually (12) . Checklists based on radiological images have been used to improve ESS and reduce avoidable surgical mistakes, through the systematization of the necessary steps during surgery (13)(14)(15) .…”