Evaluation of the Nasal Cavity by Acoustic Rhinometry in Normal and Allergic Subjects

Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 1997

Authors: J. P. Corey, MD, B. J. Kemker, MD, R. Nelson, and A. Gungor, MD

Conclusion: “Acoustic rhinometry gives a valid two-dimensional impression of the anatomy of the nasal cavity, which illustrates areas of potential obstruction, congestion, or septal abnormalities. The technique has been demonstrated to be sensitive enough to detect local changes in vascular congestion caused by the positioning or posture of the patient and by environmental conditions. It has been used for the preoperative and postoperative evaluation of patients undergoing septoplasty, polypectomy, turbinectomy, inferior meatal antrostomy, or anterior turbinoplasty of the nasal cavity.”
“Other studies have demonstrated a possible use of acoustic rhinometry for the assessment of the nasopharynx and adenoids in evaluation before adenoidectomy and during surgical follow-up. Acoustic rhinometry has a potential use for serial evaluations, correlation with clinical examinations, evaluation of medical therapy, immunotherapy assessment, nasal provocation for allergies and documentation of therapeutic effects. Unlike Rhinomanometry, this technique does not require a flow of air through the nasal passages so that even severely congested patients may be evaluated with minimal discomfort.”

“With acoustic rhinometry, we were able to detect a statistically significant difference between normal and allergic subjects in their response to a topical decongestant at the minimal cross-sectional area. This area corresponds to the nasal valve or inferior turbinate.”