Accuracy of Computed Tomography in characterizing the paranasal fungal infection

Abstract

Background: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of CT in characterizing the Paranasal fungal Infection Methods: All patients suspected of having Paranasal fungal infection underwent CT scan examination on 4 slice Toshiba Asteion multislice CT scanner. Final diagnosis was based on smear analysis for fungal culture which was done subsequently. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version-17. Results: Out of 65 patients, 48 were confirmed having fungal sinusitis and remaining 17 were negative on the gold standard culture analysis. While on CT, 44 patients were positive for fungal sinusitis and four patients had a normal scan (false negative). Out of 17 patients, 14 patients were also negative on CT and three were positive for fungal infection (false positive). Sensitivity of CT was 93.6% and accuracy was 89.2%. Conclusion: CT scan is highly accurate in diagnosing and characterizing paranasal fungal infection. CT scan also guides in defining disease extent as well as aids in deciding the surgical approach to be used. Key Words: Paranasal Sinuses. Computed Tomography. Culture Analysis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging