B-MODE ULTRASOUND IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF MAXILLARY SINUSITIS IN INTENSIVE-CARE UNIT

Radiological maxillary sinusitis (RMS) is not an easily diagnosed in I ntensive Care Unit (ICU). B-mode ultrasound of paranasal sinuses, vali dated for the ambulatory patients, was evaluated in a prospective stud y. One hundred fifty three ultrasound examinations were performed on 3 0 critically ill patients and compared to CT scan or radiography (Blon deau's view). Two levels of positive echographia are described: positi ve echographia corresponding with a moderate lesion, cupuliform echogr aphia when the lesion is more significant. Its good predictive negativ e value when the echographia is negative and its predictive positive v alue of 100 % when the echographia is cupuliform allow to recommend B- mode ultrasound as the best investigation for the diagnosis of maxilla ry sinusitis in a ICU. Diagnostic ultrasound represents a rapid, painl ess, innocuous and easily reproducible means of monitoring.