Computed tomography of the sinuses – indications and contraindications. The course of sinus tomography

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The often recurring headache, which usually occurs when you bend over and move from a cold room into a warm one, most often indicates sinus problems. If there is a recurring, persistent runny nose next to the headache, we can be sure that the sinuses are the cause. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of sinus diseases is quite limited and is limited to computed tomography of the sinuses. What is this test and when is it used?

What are the sinuses?

The sinuses are air-filled spaces within the skull. They are located below the eye socket, above the eye sockets, between the eye sockets and the nose, and at the mouth of the nasal bone. Their main functions include warming and moisturizing the air that is inhaled through the nose, protection of the skull against injuries, support in perceiving olfactory stimuli and creating speech.

It is estimated that up to 15 percent. Poles suffer from constantly recurring sinus diseaseconstantly experiencing headaches, noseaches and runny nose. Unfortunately, many of us still try to heal them on our own. Meanwhile untreated sinus disease can cause serious infections such as acute and chronic sinusitis.

An accurate diagnosis is the key to complete recovery from recurrent sinus disease. Therefore, after a thorough ENT examination, it is worth assessing the condition of the sinuses thanks to computed tomography, which is the most accurate examination to assess the condition of the sinuses.

What is computed tomography of the sinuses?

Computed tomography of the sinuses is a very precise examination used to diagnose diseases of the paranasal sinuses. The image obtained during the examination allows you to precisely assess the condition of the bones and soft tissues located near the paranasal sinuses.

Computed tomography of the sinuses is performed using ionizing radiation, similar to X-rays. The beam of ionizing rays is passed through the patient’s body in the place to be imaged, in this case near the skull, where the sinuses are located.

During sinus computed tomography, the radiation source circulates around the patient, and the unabsorbed part of the rays falls on the detectors, which then send the information to the computer responsible for processing them. The result is obtained in the form of an image showing the affected areas. Because different tissues, due to their density, absorb radiation to a different extent, an image with less and more shaded areas is created in the computer image. On its basis, a description is made and a diagnosis is made.

Indications for computed tomography of the sinuses

Computed tomography of the sinuses is performed for diagnostic purposes when inflammation and other diseases of the paranasal sinuses are suspected.

If there is a suspicion that there is fluid in the sinuses, and if the radiographic findings are unclear, computed tomography of the sinuses is indicated, which is precise enough to reveal changes that were not visible on traditional radiographs. Computed tomography of the sinuses is also used for the purpose diagnosing sinus damage and precise determination of their location in cases after craniofacial injuries.

This examination is also performed to assess craniofacial malformations and to sinus inflammation detection and neoplastic tumors located in the sinuses and nasal cavity. A sinus tomography allows you to accurately assess how large the tumor is and whether infiltrates are forming. This study is also helpful in assessing the effects sinus therapy.

Very often, tomography is also ordered before scheduled surgeries in the craniofacial area, which are to remove irregularities in the field of dentistry, as well as before the insertion of dental implants and orthodontic treatment.

Contraindications for computed tomography of the sinuses

Computed tomography of the sinuses is a non-invasive examination. However, it is important to know that strong ionizing radiation is emitted during it, which is not indifferent to our health, especially when the test is performed several times. Therefore, it is worth realizing that tomography should be performed only in justified cases.

Due to radiation computed tomography of the sinuses, it is absolutely not allowed to be performed in pregnant women and those who suspect that they may be in the first weeks of pregnancy. In their case, the radiation can damage the fetus and is not indifferent to the baby’s DNA.

Occasionally, in order to get a better and more accurate picture of the sinuses, the examiner will decide to administer a contrast agent to the patient. In this case, an allergy to any of its ingredients will be a contraindication.

How To Prepare For Computed Tomography Of Your Sinuses?

Computed tomography of the sinuses does not require any special preparation. You should present the results of previous sinus tests to your doctor before the test is performed. You should also inform your doctor about all medications you are taking and about your current ailments and diseases.

This is especially important in the case of heart failure or respiratory failure, asthma, diabetes, kidney and liver disease, hypothyroidism and if you suffer from multiple myeloma or are allergic. In such cases, additional safety measures are necessary during the test. The doctor should also be informed about the pregnancy or the probability of pregnancy.

If the patient suffers from claustrophobia, this should also be reported before the examination. In this case, sedatives are given to allow the examination to be carried out safely.

If the patient has had a gastrointestinal examination using barium pulp or is taking medications containing bismuth a few days before the sinus CT scan, inform the doctor performing the sinus CT scan. These preparations can have a significant impact on the quality of scans.

If the computed tomography of the sinuses is to be performed with the use of a contrast agent, the examination should be on an empty stomach and with the current result. TSH tests and serum creatinine. This is because the iodine-based contrast agent will be excreted in the patient’s urine for several days after the test. Performing a creatinine test will allow you to assess the condition of the kidneys and their filtering abilities.

Before the examination, the patient will be asked to remove all metal elements from the body, remove jewelry and empty pockets. As the examination does not require taking the clothes off, it is a good idea to choose an outfit that is airy and comfortable on the day of the examination.

Is computed tomography of the sinuses harmful to health?

Computed tomography of the sinuses is a non-invasive examination, but the patient receives a large dose of ionizing radiation during the examination. The dose of ionizing radiation during computed tomography of the sinuses is many times higher than that used in traditional radiological techniques. For this reason, computed tomography of the sinuses should not be performed without clear indications and too often.

The course of computed tomography of the sinuses

The CT scanner consists of a scanner with a characteristic tube-like appearance, a radiation source and detectors. After carrying out the preliminary activities, the patient is slid into the tube-scanner on a special sliding bed. The doctor performing the examination is in another room and observes its course through the glass, and the results of the examination appear on the computer monitor.

During the test, the patient may be asked to hold their breath to minimize image disturbance. The patient can breathe normally between scans. It is worth being prepared for the fact that the test may take up to several dozen minutes. In the case of patients who were given contrast before the test, they should stay in the facility where the test was performed for one hour. They may experience dizziness and nausea.