Computed tomography stage, allergy testing, and quality of life in patients with sinusitis.
BACKGROUND
Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common disease associated with significant morbidity. CT has been a poor predictor of the extent of symptoms among these patients. Allergic rhinitis is frequently associated with chronic rhinosinusitis. This study examines CT stage, allergic sensitivity, and sinus-related symptoms.


METHODS
Forty-eight patients with chronic rhinosinusitis underwent CT scanning and skin end-point titration (SET). They also completed the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI), a measure of sinus-related disability.


RESULTS
No association was noted between CT stage and severity of sinus-related symptoms. There was a significant correlation between CT stage and SET mean end point and between SET mean end point and RSDI physical scale score, as well as between significance on the RSDI emotional scale score and overall score.


CONCLUSIONS
The degree of allergic disease is a better indicator of symptom severity and impairment in quality of life among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis than CT stage. Careful evaluation and treatment of allergic disease is critical in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis.
Krouse
J H
JH
Department of Otolaryngology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, USA.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000485:Allergens; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000379:methods; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012882:Skin Tests; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000485:Allergens