[Ultrasound testing in the diagnosis and management of maxillary sinusitis in children (author's transl)].

A- and B-mode ultrasound testing was used in conjunction with X-ray studies as screening tests for the detection of maxillary sinusitis in 280 children (aged 4-10 years) about to undergo adenoidectomy, and/or tonsillectomy and/or tympanostomy. X-rays were abnormal in 114 (41%) children, while sinus disease with the retention of discharge was diagnosed by ultrasound in 63 (23%) children. These latter children were then treated for ten days with amoxicillin and decongestant (Rinexin). At time of initial surgery, 63 maxillary sinuses (in 43 of the children) were punctured and irrigated. Another group (consisting of 27 sinuses in 20 children) was treated without antral puncture. All children were reexamined after 10, 20 and 30 days with ultrasound and radiography. After 10 days, there was no discharge found in 86% of the sinuses treated by antral puncture and in 85% of the control sinuses. After one month, all sinuses which had been irrigated were found to be free of disease, while three (11%) of the control group contained discharge. However, the healing process in all patients seemed to be slower, as evidenced by sequential sinus X-rays.--We believe that ultrasonic evaluation of the maxillary sinuses is a simple, rapid and reliable method for the diagnosis and followup of maxillary sinusitis in children. With this technique, it is possible to follow the disappearance of residual sinus discharge as well as diagnose cases which need active treatment.