Ethmoid sinusitis in children: value of orbital US

Purpose: To assess the value of orbital sonography (US) compared to CT in t he management of children with ethmoid sinusitis. Material and methods: A total of 13 consecutive patients admitted for non-c omplicated ethmoid sinusitis (absence of visual or neurological symptoms) w ere prospectively evaluated at US and CT. Results: Three patients had no evidence of postseptal involvement at US. Te n patients had variable degree of postseptal involvement at US: hypoechoic area or fluid collection in the extraconal fat along the medial orbital wal l. Results were confirmed at CT in all patients. Conclusion: US is useful to confirm the presence of postseptal involvement in patients with ethmoid sinusitis. Contrary to CT, findings at US remain n on-specific as to the nature of involvement. Nonetheless, US is helpful for patient management.