Publication:

Etiological profile and correlation of radiological and endoscopic modalities for evaluation of nasal obstruction: a hospital-based study

Background Nasal obstruction causes considerable disease burden on our society and is frequently under-treated and under-evaluated. Aim of the study was to establish etiological profile and evaluate correlation of radiological and endoscopic modalities for evaluation of nasal obstruction.

Methods Ninety patients with nasal obstruction presenting to OPD of a tertiary hospital were evaluated with history/physical examination, rhinoscopy and radiological assessment by X-ray of para nasal sinuses (PNS), Computerized tomography of PNS (CT-PNS) and nasal endoscopy.

Results Inflammatory polyps were most common cause (33%) of nasal obstruction in our population which was young in age (20-40 years), the obstruction being predominantly of short duration (<10 months). CT-PNS had significantly better performance than X-ray PNS in detection of nasal polyp and cyst. There was good agreement between CT-PNS and nasal endoscopy for most of the cases. Polyps and mucosal oedema had significantly higher detection rates by endoscopy while CT-PNS was better in assessment of DNS.

Conclusion CT-PNS and Nasal endoscopy are superior for assessment of nasal obstruction and complement each other.