2000 Volume 39 Issue 1 Pages 7-11
Measurement of acoustic rhinometry is becoming popular in Japan. Minimum cross-sectional area or nasal volume is generally used for the evaluation of nasal obstruction in this method. However, several authors reported that these parameters might not reflect accurate anatomical information. On the other hand, the curve of acoustic rhinometry has anatomical meaning because the change of the curve shows a parallel change in nasal mucosa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the benefit of acoustic rhinometry with analysis of the area-distance curve.
Using an acoustic rhinometer (RHIN2100 co. Denmark), eighteen normal subjects and twelve patients with perennial allergic rhinitis were measured by acoustic rhinometry before and after administration of a topical decongestant. The average area-distance curves both at the congested sides and the decongested sides were calculated for normal subjects and for patients.
The results of the average of area-distance curves from 1.5 to 4.0cm showed a statistical difference between normal subjects and patients with allergic rhinitis. However, the average of area distance curves was not statistically different between the decongested side inpatients and the congested side in normal subjects. Therefore, it is important to think about the nasal cycle when acoustic rhinometry is employed, and the normal range of area-distance curve must be determined in order to diagnose nasal obstruction.
In conclusion, acoustic rhinometry is more useful when analysis of the area-distance curve is investigated in addition to nasal cross-sectional area and nasal volume.
