Differential Diagnosis for Acute Sinusitis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acute viral sinusitis: The presence of moderate soft tissue at the base of the maxillary sinuses bilaterally, minimal soft tissue in a few of the ethmoidal air cells, and soft tissue swelling in the nasopharynx are consistent with viral sinusitis, which is a common cause of acute sinusitis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Acute bacterial sinusitis: Although the findings are more suggestive of viral sinusitis, bacterial sinusitis is still a possibility, especially if the patient has symptoms such as purulent discharge, facial pain, or fever.
- Allergic sinusitis: The presence of concha bullosa and soft tissue swelling in the nasopharynx could also be indicative of allergic sinusitis, which is a common condition that can cause similar symptoms.
- Vasomotor sinusitis: This condition is characterized by soft tissue swelling in the sinuses and nasal passages, which is consistent with the findings in this case.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Invasive fungal sinusitis: Although rare, this condition can be life-threatening, especially in immunocompromised patients. The presence of soft tissue in the sinuses and nasal passages could be indicative of fungal infection.
- Sinus cancer: Although unlikely, sinus cancer can cause similar symptoms and findings, and it is essential to rule out this possibility, especially in patients with a history of smoking or other risk factors.
Rare Diagnoses
- Wegener's granulomatosis: This rare autoimmune disorder can cause sinusitis, as well as other systemic symptoms, and should be considered in patients with recurrent or persistent sinusitis.
- Sarcoidosis: This condition can cause sinusitis, as well as other systemic symptoms, and should be considered in patients with recurrent or persistent sinusitis.
- Cystic fibrosis: This genetic disorder can cause chronic sinusitis, and should be considered in patients with recurrent or persistent sinusitis, especially in children and young adults.