What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is a medical condition which occurs when the sinuses and nasal passages become inflamed. This inflammation starts from one’s sinuses getting infected by viruses or bacteria. The infection causes the sinus lining to swell up. It leads to the blockage of the nasal passages that drain the sinuses.
This article extensively talks about how is sinusitis diagnosed using Sinus CT Scan and Sinus MRI Scan.
One is likely to suffer from sinusitis, if he/she has:
- Abnormalities with the nasal passage
- Deviated nasal septum or tumors
- Allergic reactions affecting sinuses
- Exposure to smoke
- Immune system disorders (like HIV/AIDs or cystic fibrosis)
The symptoms of sinusitis includes:
- Blocked nose
- Swelling
- Tenderness around eyes, cheeks or forehead
- Toothache
- Sinus headache
- Discharge of yellow or green mucus
- Bad breath
- High temperature
- Decreased sense of smell
How is sinusitis diagnosed?
To diagnose sinusitis, an ENT physician may recommend:
- Imaging tests like X-ray, CT scan and MRI
- Nasal endoscopy
- Allergy tests
- Blood tests
What is a sinus CT scan?
A computed tomography (CT) scan is a form of imaging test. It uses x-rays to produce intricate images of the air-filled cavities inside the face (sinuses). It is a painless, noninvasive and accurate procedure.
How is a sinus CT scan performed?
The following steps are carried out to perform a sinus CT scan:
- One is requested to lie down on a narrow table, either on his/her back or face-down with chin raised. This table then slides into the center of the CT scanner.
- On entering the inside of the scanner, the machine’s x-ray beam starts rotating around one. Simultaneously a computer begins creating separate images of the body area. These images are termed as slices and can be stored, viewed on a monitor or printed on film.
- One is requested to stay still throughout the CT scan, as any sort of movement causes the images to be blurred.
- One is requested to remove all kinds of jewelries, earrings and accessories prior to the CT scan.
- The entire procedure takes not more than 15 minutes.
How can one prepare for a sinus CT scan?
- A special dye called contrast is administered into one’s body before the test begins. Contrast helps in specific areas of one’s body to show up better on the x-rays.
- Contrast can be administered to one through a vein (IV) in his/her hand or forearm.
- If contrast is used, one may be prohibited from eating or drinking anything for four to six hours prior to the test.
- In case one had any previous reaction to contrast, then the ENT specialist will prescribe medicines to take before the test.
- In case of kidney problems, contrast may not be used.
- Extra steps need to be taken if one consumes the diabetes medicine metformin (Glucophage).
- One would be requested to remove any sort of accessories and wear hospital gown.
How does a sinus CT scan feel?
One may face some discomfort from lying on the table. Besides that, contrast administered through IV may cause minor burning sensation, metallic taste in the mouth and warm flushing of one’s body.
Why is a sinus CT scan performed?
A sinus CT scan is performed to diagnose or detect:
- Congenital deformities of the sinuses
- Osteomyelitis (disorder in the bones of the sinuses)
- Injury to the face
- Masses and tumors
- Nasal polyps
- Epistaxis (bleeding from nose)
- Sinusitis (sinus infection)
What can be inferred from a sinus CT scan?
If no problem is detected, then the results of the sinus CT scan are considered to be normal. But in case of an abnormal result, the reasons might be:
- Congenital defects
- Bone fractures
- Cancer
- Nasal polyps
- Sinusitis
What are the benefits of a sinus CT scan?
The benefits of a sinus CT scan can be listed as:
- Safest method of examining the sinuses.
- Most reliable and accurate imaging technique.
- Aids in planning the most secure and effective surgery.
- A short time procedure and widely available.
- It is painless and noninvasive.
- Provides a very detailed image.
- It is fast and simple.
- Provides real-time imaging.
What are the risks of a sinus CT scan?
The risks of a sinus CT scan can be listed as:
- Chances of cancer from extreme exposure to radiation.
- Severe allergic reaction to contrast.
What is a sinus MRI?
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the sinuses produces graphic pictures of the air-filled cavities inside the skull (sinuses). This test is noninvasive. MRI utilizes powerful magnets and radio waves instead of radiation.
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How is a sinus MRI performed?
The following steps are carried out to perform a sinus MRI:
- One is requested to wear a hospital gown without metal snaps or zippers as it may cause blurry images.
- One is then requested to lie on a narrow table that slides into a tunnel shaped scanner.
- Small devices termed as coils are placed around one’s head. These devices aid in improving the quality of the images.
- A special dye termed as contrast is administered to one before the test. It is given to one through a vein (IV) in his/her hand or forearm. It helps in seeing certain body areas more clearly.
- The test usually lasts for 30 minutes.
How can one prepare for a sinus MRI?
- One must intimate the ENT specialist if he/she has kidney problems. This may affect whether contrast can be administered to one or not.
- One must intimate the ENT specialist if he/she is claustrophobic. In such a situation, the ENT specialist may recommend an ‘open’ MRI or prescribe some medications to fall asleep.
- One with a pacemaker, may need to confirm with the ENT specialist, whether it is safe to have an MRI or not.
- Metal containing objects are prohibited in the scanner area.
How does a sinus MRI feel?
- One may become anxious inside the scanner or may have problems lying still.
- One may find the table hard or cold.
- One may find the noise produced by the machine too loud or annoying.
Why is a sinus MRI performed?
- Peculiar nasal drainage
- An abnormal observation on an x-ray or nasal endoscopy
- Congenital deformities of the sinuses
- Loss of smell
- Nasal blockage
- Epistaxis (bleeding from nose)
- Hints of injury to the sinus area
- Unexplained headaches
- The growth of nasal polyps
- Assess an infection or abscess
- Determine a mass or tumor
- Plan for sinus surgery
- Monitor one’s progress after surgery
What can be inferred from a sinus MRI?
If the appearance of the sinuses are usual, then the results are considered to be normal. But in case of an abnormal result, the reasons might be:
- Cancer or tumor
- Osteomyelitis (infection in the bones of one’s sinuses)
- Orbital cellulitis (infection of the tissues surrounding one’s eyes)
- Nasal polyps
- Acute sinusitis
- Chronic sinusitis
What are the risks of a sinus MRI?
The risks of a sinus MRI can be listed as:
- One with kidney failure or chronic kidney disease can develop a severe allergic reaction to contrast.
- Metal objects near an MRI machine can seriously injure one.
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