Abstract

FERES, Murilo Fernando Neuppmann; SOUSA, Helder Inocêncio Paulo de; FRANCISCO, Sheila Márcia  and  PIGNATARI, Shirley Shizue Nagata. Reliability of radiographic parameters in adenoid evaluation. Braz. j. otorhinolaryngol. [online]. 2012, vol.78, n.4, pp. 80-90. ISSN 1808-8694.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1808-86942012000400016.

The assessment of adenoids by x-ray imaging has been the topic of heated debate, but few studies have looked into the reliability of most existing radiographic parameters. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to verify the intra-examiner and inter-examiner reproducibility of the adenoid radiographic assessment methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional case series study. Forty children of both genders aged between 4 and 14 were enrolled. They were selected based on complaints of nasal obstruction or mouth breathing and suspicion of pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy. Cavum x-rays and orthodontic teleradiographs were assessed by two examiners in quantitative and categorical terms. RESULTS: All quantitative parameters in both x-ray modes showed excellent intra and inter-examiner reproducibility. Relatively better performance was observed in categorical parameters used in cavum x-ray assessment by C-Kurien, C-Wang, C-Fujioka, and C-Elwany over C-Cohen and C-Ysunza. As for orthodontic teleradiograph grading systems, C-McNamara has been proven to be more reliable than C-Holmberg. CONCLUSION: Most instruments showed adequate reproducibility levels. However, more research is needed to properly determine the accuracy and viability of each method.

Keywords : adenoids; reproducibility of results; x-rays.