Acoustic rhinometry and computed tomography scans for the diagnosis of nasal septal deviation, with clinical correlation

OBJECTIVE: The aim in this study was to analyze the efficiency and reliabil ity of acoustic rhinometry (AR) readings in recognition of nasal septal dev iation, METHOD: We compared 24 patients' AR readings with their sinus CT scans. The patient data were analyzed by comparison with normative data, area, and pe rcentage differences between the two sides. Additionally, the data further analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve and Spearman correlatio n of CT and AR in determining nasal septal deviation. RESULTS: The sensitivity of AR in detecting anterior septal deviations was found to be 54%, with a specificity of 70%. A very highly significant corre lation (P less than or equal to 0.001) was found between minimal cross-sect ional area (CSA) 1 values and CT results. DISCUSSION: In the interpretation of AR readings, comparison of each CSA va lue should be included, in addition to use of the total absolute CSA values . CONCLUSION: According to our findings the diagnosis of nasal septal deviati on can be supported by AR readings.