RGB Measurements From Endoscopic Photography as a New and Objective Diagnostic Method for Chronic Tonsillitis

PurposeThis study assessed the diagnostic role of a digital photographic assessment of chronic tonsillitis. This study was performed at a tertiary referral center.MethodsThree cohorts of children were studied based on their diagnoses: current chronic tonsillitis (before tonsillectomy), previous chronic tonsillitis (3 months after tonsillectomy), and healthy children (control group). Oropharyngeal regions of all subjects were examined and photographed endoscopically. Red/green/blue (RGB) values of particular oropharyngeal points were then measured.FindingsThe current chronic tonsillitis group differed significantly from the other 2 groups. The RGB values of the current chronic tonsillitis group were significantly higher than those of the previous chronic tonsillitis group (3 months after tonsillectomy) and the control group (P = 0.018 (red), P = 0.024 (green), and P = 0.004 (blue)). The RGB values did not differ significantly between the previous chronic tonsillitis group and the control group (P = 0.684 [red], P = 0.890 [green], and P = 0.672 [blue]). The RGB values of the previous chronic tonsillitis group decreased significantly 3 months after tonsillectomy (P = 0.015 [red], P = 0.033 [green], and P = 0.001 [blue]). Sensitivity was 80%, specificity was 90%, the positive predictive value was 59%, the negative predictive value was 96%, and the general power of the test was 88.6% regarding the power and competence of the RGB test in the diagnosis of chronic tonsillitis.ImplicationsMeasuring RGB values may be an inexpensive and simple way to quickly provide objective and corroborative information on hyperemia of the anterior pillars in diagnosing chronic tonsillitis in conjunction with subjective methods.