Is frontal pain a useful marker of chronic frontal sinusitis?

Abstract

Objective

This study evaluated the relationship between frontal pain as a symptom in chronic frontal sinusitis and radiological and endoscopic findings, quality of life and disease severity. The aim was to determine its utility as a marker in chronic frontal sinusitis and in surgical decision-making.

Method

This was a prospective study of 51 consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis. Patients ranked their frontal pain score on a numerical rating scale from 0 to 10. Facial pain or pressure, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22, Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation score, Lund–Mackay score and modified Lund–Kennedy score were also collated. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance and Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results

Frontal pain scores were low and demonstrated no correlation with the extent of frontal sinus disease radiologically or the severity of overall sinus disease endoscopically. Higher frontal pain scores significantly correlated with poorer quality-of-life.

Conclusion

This study does not support the use of frontal pain as a sensitive or specific marker of chronic frontal sinus disease.