[Correlation between active anterior rhinomanometry and nasal endoscopy]

Abstract

Objective: Nasal permeability is related to functional and anatomical parameters, which are objectified by active anterior rhinomanometry (AARNM). The study aims to compare alterations visualized through Nasal Endoscopy (NE) with nasal flow parameters in AARNM.

Material and methods: We carried out a prospective observational study of 45 patients suffering from nasal obstruction and septal deviation. They were explored through AARNM and NE, and the deviations were classified into anterosuperior and anteroinferior quadrants. The degree of agreement between observers and the validity of the diagnostic test was then analyzed.

Results: A sensitivity of 74.6% and a specificity of 60.5% were obtained comparing AARNM and EN globally.

Conclusion: A reduced flow of the expiratory phase is correlated to inferior obstructions observed through NE. In the narrow nasal vestibule this correlation is not predictive.