Four-cut sinus computed tomographic scanning in screening for sinus disease

Objective: We sought to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of a limited sinus computed tomographic (CT) scan for sinus disease. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case series. Inclusion criteria included a sinus CT scan obtained between April 1999 and November 2000. From the complete sinus CT scan, the limited series were obtained by blocking from view all the other cuts and leaving the radiologist only four slices to read (midfrontal, anterior maxillary sinuses, posterior maxillary sinuses, and midsphenoidal). The complete CT scan was the "gold standard." Results: Fifty-one patients were eligible. We observed 81.3% sensitivity, 89.5% specificity, a 73.9% negative predictive value, and a 92.9% positive predictive value for the limited CT scan for the detection of sinus disease. This sensitivity and specificity were higher than reported in the literature for plain films. Conclusion: The limited sinus CT scan is superior to plain radiographs but is not as good as the full CT scan in the evaluation of sinusitis.