Comparison of B-mode ultrasound, radiography and sinuscopy in the diagnosis of maxillary sinusitis. Report on 177 cases.

The authors report their experience in the ultrasonic investigation of the maxillary sinuses over a series of 177 cases. The method of examination is presented (B-mode ultrasound scanning) and the results are compared with those of radiology and sinuscopy, the latter being used as the method of reference. The anterior bone wall of the sinus appeared to be the main limitation of the technique. The conclusions of this prospective study suggest that ultrasound may not pretend to replace X-ray radiography but, in selected cases, ultrasound may usefully complement X-ray radiography, particularly in the investigation of possible intrasinusal secretions.