Diagnostic accuracy of double density sign on CT scan of para-nasal sinuses for fungal sinusitis taking microbiology culture as gold standard.

OBJECTIVES

To compare double-density sign on non-contrast computed tomography scan of paranasal sinuses with fungal sinusitis on histopathology.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted at the Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023, and comprised patients of either gender aged 20-60 years who were set to undergo functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Demographic characteristics and non-contrast computed tomography scan findings were recorded preoperatively, while microbiological and histopathology results were recorded post-operatively. The microbiological finding was taken as the gold standard. Data was analysed using SPSS 23.

RESULTS

Of the 201 patients, 123(61.2%) were males and 78(38.8%) were females. The overall mean age was 41.62±8.52 years. The diagnostic accuracy of a double-density sign on computed tomography scan showed sensitivity 90%, specificity 90.8%, positive predictive value 84%, and negative predictive value 94.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher rate of sensitivity and specificity indicated that non-contrast computed tomography scan was an effective modality that could be used for the diagnosis of fungal sinusitis.