Office diagnosis of sinus disorders: the role of ultrasound scanning.

The accurate diagnosis of sinus disorders has traditionally depended on history-taking, physical examination, and sinus radiographs. Other helpful tools include transillumination, sinus irrigation, and direct sinoscopy. Ultrasound scanning to define and follow the course of sinus disorders, although used for years in Europe, has only recently been introduced in this country. It is characterized as an inexpensive, non-invasive diagnostic aid which does not carry the risk of ionizing radiation. This paper discusses the use of ultrasound scanning in the management of sinus disorders commonly seen in office otolaryngologic practice, comparing it to other diagnostic modalities, and pointing out its advantages and shortcomings.