Summaries of Independent Scientist (K) Awards

Anzai, Yoshimi

Institution: University of Washington, Seattle
Grant Title: Randomized Trial for Sinus CT for Acute Sinusitis
Grant Number:  K08 HS13613
Duration: 3 years (2004-2007)
Total Award: $378,200

Project Description: The goal of this project was to conduct a randomized control trial of patients with acute sinusitis symptoms whose physicians plan antibiotic treatment.  The specific aims were:

1. To determine if initial diagnostic work-up with computerized tomography (CT) decreases antibiotic use for patients presenting with acute sinusitis symptoms.
2. To determine whether the inclusion of CT in an initial diagnostic work-up affects patient outcomes.
3. To determine whether sinus CT decreases overall healthcare costs and increases cost-effectiveness for patients with acute sinusitis. 

Career Goals: Dr. Anzai is a Professor of Radiology and co-Director of the Health Services Research Section of the Department of Radiology at University of Washington.  She is also program Director of Neuroradiology Fellowship.  She specializes in head and neck radiology.  Dr. Anzai will continue her independent research with a focus on the development and application of radiological technology, as well as the assessment of the role of such techniques in the health care system. 

Progress to Date: This K award has been completed.  Dr. Anzai found only 33% of patients had CT evidence of acute sinusitis which reflects an over-diagnosis of acute sinusitis in the primary care setting.  Despite negative CT, 66% of patients received antibiotics prescription.  Sinus CT did not reduce antibiotic use or affect clinical outcomes.  Using a disease specific quality of life measure as an outcome, patients that received antibiotics recovered from sinusitis-related symptoms faster than those who did not receive antibiotics at one week, however, no significant difference in the two weeks outcome was seen.

Highlights and Specific Accomplishments:

• General-Electric-Association of University Research Academic Fellow.
• Professional Societies/Memberships:
  • American Society of Head and Neck Radiology.
  • Radiological Society of North America.
  • American College of Radiology.
  • Association of Radiologists.
  • American Association of Women Radiologists.
  • Society of Health Services in Radiology.

K-Generated Publications:

Anzai Y, Neighbor W. Evidence based imaging—imaging evaluation of sinusitis: Impact of health outcome. Evidence Based Radiology 2005.

Lee JR, Anzai Y, Langlotz CP. Mentoring the mentors: Aligning mentor and mentee expectations. Academic Radiology 2006. 13(5):556-61.

Anzai Y, Jarvik JG, Sullivan DD, Hollingworth W. Cost effectiveness of the management of acute sinusitis. American Journal of Rhinology 2007. 21:1-7.

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