In the Lund-Mackay staging system used to quantify disease burden on CT paranasal sinuses before endoscopic sinus surgery, what is the maximum total score when both sides are scored completely?
- A 16
- B 20
- C 24 ✓
- D 30
Correct answer: C. 24
Explanation
Each side scores five sinuses (maxillary, anterior ethmoid, posterior ethmoid, sphenoid, frontal) graded 0 to 2 plus the ostiomeatal complex graded 0 or 2, giving 12 points per side. Bilateral maximum is therefore 24. Scores of 20 or 30 come from miscounting the ostiomeatal complex or adding extra sites, and 16 omits one side entirely.
Reference: Scott-Brown's Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, 8th ed.
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