EVALUATION OF MAXILLARY SINUS ASPIRATION IN PATIENTS WITH FEVER OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN

The value of diagnostic maxillary sinus aspiration in patients with ab normal findings on sinus radiographs and fever of unknown origin is un clear. To better define indications for this procedure, the results of 51 sinus aspirations in 34 patients with fevers of unknown origin and abnormal findings on sinus radiographs were analyzed retrospectively. Results of aerobic and anaerobic cultures were evaluated in the conte xt of clinical signs and symptoms at the time of the maxillary sinus p uncture. Typical symptoms of paranasal sinus disease were found to be the best predictor of a positive culture. Of patients with sinusitis c omplaints, 86.4% had culture-positive aspirations, whereas only 8.3% o f patients without clinical symptoms of sinusitis had culture-positive aspirations, This study indicates that symptoms of sinus disease play an important role in determining the benefit of sinus aspiration in t his group of patients.