Richard R Orlandi1, Richard H Wiggins. 1. Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA. richard.orlandi@hsc.utah.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Care of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients has extended the expected survival far into adulthood. The morphological changes of adult CF patients' paranasal sinuses have not been thoroughly addressed. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of computed tomography imaging of adult CF patients at an academic medical center. Developmental changes, bone sclerosis, mucoceles, and degree of inflammation (using a modified Lund-Mackay scoring system) were assessed. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were included in the study. The majority of frontal and sphenoid sinuses were either aplastic or hypoplastic. Maxillary hypoplasia was less commonly seen. Seven patients had mucoceles. Sclerosis of the sinuses was a common finding, affecting 84.4% of patients. Inflammation of the sinuses was also common, with a median modified Lund-Mackay score of 15.0 (out of a median 20 possible). CONCLUSION: Poor development of the sinuses seen in pediatric CF patients persists into adulthood. Inflammation of the sinuses is a common finding. Bone sclerosis, likely caused by chronic inflammation, affects a large majority of these patients.
BACKGROUND: Care of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients has extended the expected survival far into adulthood. The morphological changes of adult CFpatients' paranasal sinuses have not been thoroughly addressed. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of computed tomography imaging of adult CFpatients at an academic medical center. Developmental changes, bone sclerosis, mucoceles, and degree of inflammation (using a modified Lund-Mackay scoring system) were assessed. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were included in the study. The majority of frontal and sphenoid sinuses were either aplastic or hypoplastic. Maxillary hypoplasia was less commonly seen. Seven patients had mucoceles. Sclerosis of the sinuses was a common finding, affecting 84.4% of patients. Inflammation of the sinuses was also common, with a median modified Lund-Mackay score of 15.0 (out of a median 20 possible). CONCLUSION: Poor development of the sinuses seen in pediatric CFpatients persists into adulthood. Inflammation of the sinuses is a common finding. Bone sclerosis, likely caused by chronic inflammation, affects a large majority of these patients.