Usefulness of computed tomography of the paranasal sinus as a kidney pre-transplant otorhinolaryngological evaluation

Abstract

Introduction: Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for chronic kidney disease. There is no universally accepted protocol for the otorhinolaryngological evaluation of the recipient, and there is heterogeneity in clinical practice. Computed tomography of the pa­ranasal cavities is one of the most commonly used studies to rule out otorhinolaryngological pathologies that contraindicate the intervention. Aim: To describe the imaging findings of the computed tomographies requested as a pre-transplant evaluation. To determine if these findings determined a contraindication for transplantation or any change in the patient’s management. Material and Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study by reviewing the clinical records of patients referred to a pre-kidney transplant study during 2018 at the Hospital Carlos Van Buren. Results: Information was obtained from 40 patients referred for otorhinolaryngological evaluation. The average age was 49 ± 11.4 years; 55% were wo- men. The most common cause of kidney disease was idiopathic (70%). 34 of 40 patients had a computed tomography. Five patients received intranasal corticosteroids and one patient was referred for dental evaluation. There were no contraindications for renal transplanta- tion. Conclusion: There is little literature on the usefulness of paranasal cavity tomography as a pre-kidney transplant study. In the present study, no finding was found that would contraindicate the intervention. More studies are needed to be able to ascertain whether the otorhinolaryngological evaluation and the use of tomography have any implications in the evolution of patients undergoing kidney transplantation.