Use of ultrasound in detection of sinus disease in children.

A prospective study utilizing a small, portable A-Mode ultrasound apparatus (Sinus-V 2500 Radionics Medical) was undertaken to screen children with signs and symptoms of sinusitis. Fifty-three children (age 2-16 years) were tested both by ultrasound and compared to standard radiographs of the paranasal sinuses. The sensitivity of the ultrasound to evaluate small, developing paranasal sinuses in children was low (22%). Sinus pathology, particularly mucosal thickening, was difficult to confirm. However, even opacified sinuses were only detectable in 58% of the time. Therefore, portable ultrasound devices to detect sinus disease in children, have limited usefulness for this particular population.