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Sinuses

General Information

Computerized Tomography (CT), also known as "Cat Scan", is a diagnostic imaging tool that takes cross-sectional images of the body using x-rays.  CT assists Physicians in detecting disease, tumors, or infections and injuries to internal organs.  Additionally, Bones can be evaluated for fractures and other lesions.  CT provides excellent anatomic clarity and detail that is not available with traditional diagnostic imaging (plain x-rays).  This is critical when it comes to head and neck exams, gastrointestinal exams, urological exams and CT Angiography (CTA) exams.

What is CT Scanning of the Sinuses?

CT scanning—sometimes called CAT scanning—is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

CT scanning combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined on a computer monitor, printed or transferred to a CD.

CT scans of internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity and reveal more details than regular x-ray exams.

A CT scan of the face produces images that also show a patient's paranasal sinus cavities. The paranasal sinuses are hollow, air-filled spaces located within the bones of the face and surrounding the nasal cavity, a system of air channels connecting the nose with the back of the throat. There are four pairs of sinuses, each connected to the nasal cavity by small openings.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

CT of the sinuses primarily is used to:

  • detect the presence of inflammatory diseases.
  • plan for surgery by defining anatomy or giving further information about tumors of the nasal cavity and sinuses.
  • evaluate sinuses that are filled with fluid or thickened sinus membranes.
  • help diagnose sinusitis.

What are the limitations of CT Scanning of the Sinuses?

While CT is occasionally used to detect the presence of tumors, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the primary choice for this purpose.

A person who is very large may not fit into the opening of a conventional CT scanner or may be over the weight limit for the moving table which is usually about 450 pounds.