Acute and chronic sinusitis: a cause of unsuspected pathology in patients with end-stage liver disease

Objective: To determine the prevalence of acute sinusitis by physical examination and radiology in individuals presenting for liver transplantation. Design: One hundred consecutive individuals presenting for a liver transplant were studied prospectively for evidence of acute sinusitis. Forty-eight spouses, relatives or partners accompanying the patient to the transplant center agreed to act as controls. Setting: Tertiary referral hospital. Methods: A complete physical examination was performed with particular attention to the eyes, ears, nose and naso-oropharynx. A series of sinus radiographs were also taken consisting of anterior, posterior, lateral, Caldwell and Waters views of the nasal sinuses; air fluid levels within the sinuses were assessed