Acoustic rhinometry for the assessment of adenoid hypertrophy: A systematic review.

In 30 seconds

This systematic review assessed acoustic rhinometry (AR) for diagnosing and evaluating adenoid hypertrophy in children. Thirteen studies included 650 participants (563 patients and 87 controls). Most studies found differences in AR measurements between patients and controls, moderate-to-strong correlations with adenoid size assessed by endoscopy, radiography, or excised tissue, and increased nasopharyngeal dimensions after adenoidectomy. However, evidence linking AR measurements to nasal obstruction or symptoms was limited, and no studies assessed test-retest or inter-rater reliability. The authors describe AR as a promising adjunct but conclude that evidence is insufficient to recommend routine use.

Key findings

• The review included 13 studies with 650 participants: 563 patients and 87 controls.
• Most studies reported moderate-to-strong correlations between AR measurements and adenoid size assessed by endoscopy, radiography, or excised tissue.
• Most studies found significant increases in nasopharyngeal dimensions after adenoidectomy.
• No included studies evaluated test-retest or inter-rater reliability; evidence linking AR to obstruction or symptoms was limited.

Why it matters

A non-invasive measure of nasopharyngeal geometry could complement existing assessment of pediatric adenoid hypertrophy. Yet anatomical measurements alone may not establish the degree of functional obstruction or symptom burden. The review highlights that reliability, standardized protocols, and pediatric reference data remain unresolved, which matters when interpreting AR results or considering their role alongside established assessments.

What to keep in mind

The review found no studies assessing test-retest or inter-rater reliability, limited evidence correlating AR with obstruction or symptoms, and a lack of standardized protocols and normative pediatric data.