Evaluation of Adenoid Hypertrophy with Ultrasonography

To determine the reliability of ultrasound in the diagnosis of adenoid hypertrophy in children.

The subjects were divided into three groups: Group A: Pre-experiment group: 30 children who were hospitalized for adenoidal hypertrophy were selected, and preoperative ultrasound was used to measure adenoid thickness. Their re-confirmed Adenoid ultrasound measurement thickness was obtained during surgery under the guidance of metal instruments; Group B: Ultrasound screening group: 1898 children aged 3–12 y were selected, and their adenoids were examined by ultrasonography to observe the size, shape, echo and blood flow of adenoids and the thickness of adenoids; Group C: Surgical resection group: 133 hospitalized patients were selected, and their adenoid ultrasound measurement thickness (AUT), the adenoid-nasopharynx (A/N) ratio was calculated based on nasopharyngeal lateral radiographs and obstruction ratio was obtained in electronic nasopharyngoscopy [extent of adenoid-posterior nostril occlusion (EANC)] were compared.

In Group A, there was no statistical difference in the measurements of the adenoids between the preoperative ultrasound and the ultrasound measurements under the guidance of intraoperative metal instruments (P > 0.05). In Group B, the adenoids of 1898 children aged 3–12 y were measured and were found thickest at 6 y, with an average of 5.035 ± 0.0609 mm. There was no statistical difference in adenoid thickness between boys and girls (P > 0.05). In Group C, there was a linear correlation between AUT and A/N ratio (r = 0.999, P = 0.01) and between AUT and EANC (r = 0.950, P = 0.000).

In children between 3 and 12 y of age, AUT greater than 6 mm may be considered for surgical resection of adenoid hypertrophy.