A CT of the sinuses may be ordered for a variety of reasons. We commonly use this form of imaging to evaluate complaints of snoring, congestion, ear and/or breathing problems. The CT scan can be used to show: Structural abnormalities such as a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or concha bullosa.
CT rapidly creates detailed pictures of the sinuses. The test may diagnose or detect: Birth defects in the sinuses. Infection in the bones of the sinuses (osteomyelitis)
If you have recurring symptoms of sinusitis or symptoms that will not go away, a CT scan is likely warranted. Symptoms of sinusitis include nasal blockage, facial or forehead pressure, colorful postnasal drip, and cough.
A typical series of CT scans for the sinuses use less x-ray radiation than a standard complete set of x-rays. However, a CT scan of the sinuses does not show any brain tissue.
CT, or computed tomography, a minimally invasive and accurate form of medical imaging, can provide a reliable tool to help diagnose sinusitis, leading to better sinusitis treatment. In addition to diagnosing sinusitis, CT scans can identify sinus cysts or nasal polyps that may cause other health issues.
CT scan: The cross-sectional view provided by the CT scan may help locate abnormalities or tumors in the sinus area. We also may use the CT to measure tumor size, to determine if existing sinus cancer is growing or metastasizing into the eye or brain, and assess bony parts of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus areas.
Chronic back pain or an injury to the spine are among the most common reasons to have a CT scan. A doctor may also order a spinal CT scan to: Evaluate spinal fractures. Assess the condition of the spine before and after surgical procedures.
The dye may be used to check blood flow and look for tumors, areas of inflammation, or nerve damage. A CT scan of the head can give some information about the eyes, facial bones, air-filled cavities (sinuses) within the bones around the nose, and the inner ear.
A CT scan may be preferred in emergency cases, since it is faster and often available in the emergency room. Note: MRI is not as effective as CT in defining the anatomy of the sinuses, and therefore is not typically used for suspected acute sinusitis.
With a CT scan, we're able to identify inflammation, infections, and even problems with blood vessels.
CT Sinus with IV Contrast: Do not eat anything for 4 hours before the exam. Drink only clear liquids, such as plain jello, tea, fruit drinks without pulp, black coffee and water. If you are over 60, diabetic or have high blood pressure, a blood test is needed before your scan. (See Exams That Require Contrast).
A paranasal sinus tumor is a cancer that has grown inside your sinuses, the open spaces behind your nose. This tumor can begin in the cells of the membranes, bones, or nerves that line the area. You might not know or even suspect that a tumor is growing until it spreads.
If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, hearing loss, or ear infections, your ENT may order an imaging study. In general, an otolaryngologist (ENT) practitioner would use three types of images to help make and examine a diagnosis: CT scan, MRI scan or Ultrasound.
When the sinuses are infected they become inflamed, which can lead to increased pressure on the inner ear. This area is responsible for one's balance and orientation, so when it's disrupted, dizziness can occur.
Polyps look like a grayish grape-shaped growth in the nasal cavity. You may have a CT scan of your sinuses. Polyps will appear as cloudy spots.
After analysing the images, the radiologist will write a report and send it to the doctor who referred you for the scan so they can discuss the results with you. This normally takes a few days or weeks.
Your doctor may recommend a CT scan to help: Diagnose muscle and bone disorders, such as bone tumors and fractures. Pinpoint the location of a tumor, infection or blood clot. Guide procedures such as surgery, biopsy and radiation therapy.
A CT scan may be ordered if your doctor suspects you have a tumor or blood clot. These issues could be a symptom of a very serious problem; therefore the sooner they are discovered the better off the patient will be. These scans may also be used to look for signs of an infection or any excess fluid.
If this process persists the thickening can become permanent. Eventually despite our best efforts with treatment this continuous swelling can create polyps. Polyps are no more than rounded groups of very swollen sinus tissue and their presence does not suggest that your sinus problem is more serious.
If chronic sinusitis goes untreated for a length of time, it is possible the infection can spread to vital parts of your body, including to the bones, spinal fluid, and the brain. These complications, meningitis and brain abscesses, are life-threatening and require immediate emergency surgery.
If an osteoma does cause such an obstruction, it needs to be removed surgically. Viral infections can cause papillomas, wartlike growths in the nose or sinuses. Although about 10 percent are cancerous, most are benign.
Cancers of the nose and sinuses account for less than 1% of all tumors, but the nose and sinus give rise to a greater variety of tumors than any other site in the body.