Reliability of radiographic parameters in adenoid evaluation.

UNLABELLED: 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.