Objective: To explore the relationship between rhinosinusitis symptoms and objective sinus examinations.
Method: Prospective data of 75 patients with CRS scheduled for surgery were collected and analyzed retrospectively. The preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were graded according to Lund and Mackay. The preoperative nasal endoscopy was graded by assigning an endoscopy score according to Lanza and Kennedy. A visual analog scale (VAS) symptom score was completed.
Result: (1) There was a significant correlation between preoperative CT and endoscopy scores (r = 0.88, P < 0.01); (2) The severity of smell function disturbance correlated with severity of disease on CT scan and endoscopy (r value was 0.57 and 0.53 respectively, P < 0.01). However, other symptoms and overall sinonasal symptom severity had no correlation (P > 0.05). Furthermore, a statistically significant but weak correlation was found between the VAS score based on the sum of five sinonasal symptoms and the Lund-Mackay CT scan score (r = 0.26, P < 0.05), while no correlation between VAS score based on the sum of five sinonasal symptoms and endoscopy score was found ( P > 0.05).
Conclusion: There is no good correlation between CRS symptoms and objective examinations. In order to evaluate CRS patients' severity and select treatment properly, both symptoms and objective examinations must be considered.