Standard-dose versus low-dose multidetector computed tomography examinations in patients with uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis: A randomized, controlled trial

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images for rhinosinusitis may have a risk of radiation hazards. Reduction in radiation dose may lead to a compromise in quality of MDCT images and have chances of postoperative complications. The aim of the study was to test the applicability of low-dose MDCT protocols for decision-making of sinus surgeries of patients with uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis. Randomized, double-blind (patients and evaluators blind), controlled, trial. People's Hospital of Guanghan, China. A total of 288 patients with clinically confirmed uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis were subjected to randomization (1:1 ratio). Patients were subjected to low-dose preoperative protocols of MDCT (n = 144; ldMDCT group) or standard-dose preoperative protocols of MDCT (n = 144; sdMDCT group). Image analysis was performed by the workstation. Lund-Mackay score, modified Lund-Mackay score, estimated radiation exposure, and surgical complications were evaluated for each patient. The χ independent test or 2-tailed paired t test were performed for statistical analysis. The preoperative MDCT images for standard-dose protocol had better quality than low-dose protocol (P