A study of Adenoid Facies: Clinico-radiological correlation and its sequalae

Introduction: This study aimed to clinically correlate adenoid facies with various clinical features related to ear, nose and throat and to broadly study the various sequelae of adenoid hypertrophy on the physical, mental as well as the social conditioning of children. Materials and methods: After taking approval of the institutional ethics committee the study was carried out in the department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College and Hospital, Jabalpur from January 2012 till December 2012. Patients who presented to the outpatient clinic or were admitted in the indoor ward with adenoid facies were included in the study. After detailed history taking and clinical examination, data was analysed with appropriate statistical methods. Results: 30 patients with adenoid facies of varying degrees were included in the study. Nasal block was the most commonly presenting symptom. Pain in throat was complained of by 66.66% of cases. In 50% of cases the parents complained of irregular dentition. Decreased airflow upon functional examination of the nose was seen to be bilateral in majority of cases. A hitched upper lip was found in 100% of cases. High arched palate was seen in all cases, grade III tonsil enlargement was seen in 63.33% cases while grade II tonsil enlargement was seen in 30%. It was seen that mastoid pneumatization was affected by adenoids, being partial cellular in 48.33% of the cases and sclerosed in 18.33% ears. Conclusions: This study concluded that adenoids affect each part of ear nose and throat system, thus its effect can actually be quite devastating in growing children.