Fluorography of the nose

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How is a nose x-ray done?

The need to perform an x-ray of the sinuses arises when there is a risk of inflammatory processes. Thanks to this research, it is possible to identify the disease at its initial stage, and then prescribe the necessary treatment procedures and prevent the disease from progressing to a more complex form.

Table of contents:

X-rays are taken in three projections: axial, chin and nasomental. As for the latter, performing an x-ray in this projection means resting your nose and chin on the x-ray equipment, but first things first.

Indications for the study

As mentioned earlier, x-rays of the paranasal sinuses are often performed when there are possible risks of inflammation. The study shows the condition of the sinuses, thanks to which the specialist is able to make an appropriate conclusion about the presence and location of the source of inflammation.

  • with sphenoiditis, inflammation is localized in the sphenoid bone;
  • sinusitis inflammation is located in the upper part of the jaw;
  • in ethmoiditis, darkening of the mastoid cells occurs;
  • Frontal sinusitis occurs with inflammation in the frontal lobe.

Most often, sinusitis is diagnosed. Its symptoms are very different from an ordinary runny nose, since in addition to severe nasal congestion, other symptoms of the disease also appear, including the presence of greenish or yellowish mucus in the throat.

An image of the paranasal sinuses can show exactly which sinus is inflamed, but this can often be felt with ordinary palpation. If sphenoiditis is detected, hearing and vision impairment may also occur.

Adverse processes occurring in the sinuses occur in people regardless of age. Initially, when sinusitis develops, many people confuse it with ordinary rhinitis, but its symptoms are much more intense and severe.

Despite the fact that sinusitis is already a rather unpleasant disease, its possible consequences, such as meningitis, are much more dangerous. This disease begins to develop only when the disease penetrates directly into the brain due to untimely treatment.

The disease is so dangerous that it can be fatal, which is why it is very important to undergo the procedure as soon as possible to accurately determine the location of the inflammation and subsequent treatment.

In addition to detecting inflammation, radiography allows us to determine the presence of different types of tumors, cysts, polyps and other neoplasms.

X-rays are not able to provide more information regarding neoplasms. It is used only to find them. For a more detailed study, a set of other techniques is used, in particular MRI.

Among other things, X-rays are also used before and after surgery, to prepare for the procedure and to subsequently monitor the effectiveness of therapy.

Carrying out the procedure

A procedure such as an x-ray can be performed in almost any position. Most often, at this time the patient sits or stands near the x-ray stand. Thanks to this installation, it is possible to obtain optimal images to confirm or refute the diagnosis. The procedure is carried out as follows:

  1. The patient is placed at the plate in a certain position.
  2. The chin should touch the counter, but the nose should not.
  3. The midline of the head is arrow-shaped.
  4. The picture is taken on a 13 by 18 cassette.
  5. The visibility distance is 10 dm.

Before an X-ray of the nose is taken, there is no need to carry out additional manipulations, unless a special contrast agent is used, which makes it possible to determine the so-called “plus shadows”.

What does the photo show?

The image is deciphered after it has been developed and subsequently dried. Next, the specialist needs to translate it into “medical language”. Often, this will take no more than 30 minutes, after which the conclusion will already be on the table.

Patient's healthy nose

If the patient’s nasal cavity does not have any abnormalities and is healthy, then the image will have clear outlines. The image shows small and medium-thick walls of the cells of the lattice labyrinth. As for the sinuses, they appear on x-rays as dark, rounded areas.

The nasal sinuses are in normal condition and should have precise and even contours. They should be without light content on a dark background and vice versa.

Photo descriptions

The image can accurately show the location of the disease, which helps speed up the course of treatment. If sinusitis is implied, then with a nasomental projection, the image will show a darkening of the upper sinuses, in which there are light shades that signal the presence of fluid in the sinuses.

  1. At an advanced stage of the disease, the darkening will be localized directly above the nose.
  2. If there are dark areas in several places at once, most likely we are talking about frontal sinusitis.
  3. Hyperplastic sinusitis appears on the image with an inaccurate internal contour of the mucous membrane near the bones.

A special study using contrast can show the presence of a cyst, neoplasms in the form of polyps or a tumor. Such ailments in the resulting image appear as rounded darkening in shape.

  • You need to understand that if a cyst is detected by this method, it will need to be removed through surgery.
  • The polyps in the image are shown as rounded tissues on thin struts.

You can also see other diseases in the picture, including allergic ones, in particular protrusions of the mucous membrane, chronic reactions, swelling, fracture site, catarrhal inflammation and the presence of a foreign body.

How often can the procedure be performed?

In order not to worry about your health, you need to know exactly how often you can take x-rays of your sinuses? The maximum permissible radiation dose for humans is 150 mSv in 12 months. One procedure exposes radiation to approximately 0.12-1.18 mSv.

That is why even repeated use of this type of x-ray does not pose any risk of developing diseases, especially cancer. There are several additional recommendations for this:

  • X-rays are not recommended during pregnancy.
  • For small children under 7-8 years of age, such a study is prescribed in extreme cases.
  • In the patient's chart, after each study, the radiation exposure is indicated to control the total amount of radiation exposure during repeated procedures.

To recover as quickly as possible after the study, it is recommended to take:

  • vitamins A, C, E;
  • dairy products;
  • antioxidants;
  • prunes and brown rice.

Now you know where to take an x-ray of the paranasal sinuses, and what risks there are in not contacting a specialist in a timely manner. The examination takes only a few minutes and does not carry any risks, but can provide complete information on the condition of the sinuses, which will facilitate effective and efficient treatment.

Directory of main ENT diseases and their treatment

All information on the site is for informational purposes only and does not claim to be absolutely accurate from a medical point of view. Treatment must be carried out by a qualified doctor. By self-medicating you can harm yourself!

Source: http://gorlonos.com/nos/kak-delayut-rentgen-nosa.html

X-ray of the paranasal sinuses (PSN): how and why they are done, pictures, example of a description (transcript)

X-ray of the paranasal sinuses (X-ray of the paranasal sinuses) shows pneumatization of these anatomical structures. An X-ray image shows fluid accumulations, tumors, foreign objects, and cysts.

What does x-ray of the paranasal sinuses show - x-ray anatomy of the face

X-ray shows the following paranasal sinuses:

X-ray of PPN with bilateral sinusitis. X-ray anatomy of the formations was noted

What do the normal sinuses look like on an x-ray?

Normally, the paranasal sinuses on an x-ray look like this:

  1. The bone walls have clear contours.
  2. The pneumatization (airiness) of the PPN is compared with the orbits (standard).
  3. The contours of the lattice cells can be traced.

An X-ray of the sinuses (paranasal sinuses) is prescribed to determine sinusitis (inflammation) in the initial stages. Deciphering it is not particularly difficult for a radiologist.

What diseases are visible on X-ray of PPN?

X-ray of the PPN shows sinusitis, which according to localization is classified into:

  • sinusitis - maxillary inflammation;
  • frontal sinusitis - in the frontal part;
  • ethmoiditis - darkening of the mastoid cells;
  • sphenoiditis – sphenoid bone.

The term “sinusitis” comes from the Latin “sinus”, which means “sinus” and –itis- “inflammation”. Pathology is an inflammatory process in one or more nasal sinuses, occurring as a consequence of influenza, scarlet fever, measles, rhinitis and other infections.

Interpretation of the radiograph of the PPN

The presented radiograph of the paranasal sinuses visualizes a decrease in pneumatization of the left maxillary sinus in the lower third with the upper horizontal level. Conclusion: X-ray signs of left-sided maxillary sinusitis (sinusitis).

In the picture above you can see the parietal darkening of both maxillary sinuses. Its description will lead to the logical conclusion of bilateral sinusitis.

X-ray of the paranasal sinuses allows not only to diagnose pathology, but also to analyze the dynamics of treatment. When sinusitis is detected in a patient, doctors prescribe several images: the first – immediately after the inflammation is detected; the second and subsequent ones - during treatment with antibiotics.

Deciphering a radiograph of the PPN requires analysis of other anatomical structures that can be traced in the image - bones, oral cavity, eye orbits. Tumors can sometimes be found in them, which are an incidental but important finding.

Deciphering one radiograph takes about 10 minutes of a radiologist's time.

Schematic representation of PPN diseases

Why do doctors prescribe x-rays of the paranasal sinuses?

Doctors order x-rays of the paranasal sinuses to detect sinusitis. Readers understood this from the above part of the article. As radiologists say, sinusitis and sinusitis are different, so here is a classification of pathology according to form:

  1. Exudative.
  2. Catarrhal, serous, purulent.
  3. Parietal-hyperplastic.
  4. Productive.
  5. Polypous.

Each of these forms is clearly visualized by radiography of the PPN. Only if the X-ray symptoms of the disease are unclear can the study be supplemented with CT (computed tomography).

Exudative sinusitis (frontal sinusitis, sinusitis) is visualized as a darkening with an upper horizontal border.

The parietal-hyperplastic form can be traced as parietal darkening due to thickening of the mucous membrane near the bone walls. The contour of the sinuses (paranasal sinuses) with this sinusitis is turned inward and is slightly uneven or wavy.

Polypous sinusitis is manifested by a parietal protrusion on a pedicle, facing inward.

The X-ray picture of catarrhal, serous or purulent sinusitis resembles exudative one. The only difference is the morphological substrate of the liquid that is obtained after puncture (piercing).

Depending on the location, the following forms of sinusitis are distinguished:

  1. Hemisinusitis is a lesion of the PPN on both sides.
  2. Pansinusitis is inflammatory changes in all paranasal cavities.

What is a cyst and how does a picture of the paranasal sinuses show it?

A cyst on an X-ray of PPN is an unexpected finding for the physician. It has no special clinical symptoms other than the frequent occurrence of maxillary sinusitis. When exposing paranasal formations using X-rays, the doctor can see a rounded shadow of low or medium intensity with an even, clear contour.

Cyst formation in the paranasal sinuses requires surgical treatment.

Fragment of an x-ray of the paranasal sinuses: cyst on the right

How to take an X-ray of PPN: preparation

No special preparation is required to take an x-ray of the sinuses. Before the procedure, metal objects should be removed. The x-ray technician positions the patient vertically to the vertigraph. The nose and chin should be in the same plane (nasomental projection). When styling the chin, the plane of the nose and chin should be at an angle.

In conclusion, I would like to note that an X-ray of a child’s PPN is performed only in extreme cases, when the harm from an undiagnosed disease is stronger than the negative effects of X-rays.

Don't assume that a computed tomography (CT) scan shows more than a sinus x-ray. Each study has its own goals.

When should an X-ray of the PPN be done:

  • for severe headaches;
  • after suffering from a cold;
  • in case of an unexplained increase in temperature;
  • for pain in the forehead after the flu.

X-rays of the nose and paranasal formations are in rare cases supplemented by CT or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) when a suspicious symptom is identified that cannot be studied in more detail by radiographic methods.

It is not difficult to take an X-ray of the PPN. No preliminary preparation is required. The procedure involves placing a person vertically to the vertigraph. The x-ray technician asks the patient to hold his breath. After pressing the exposure button on the control panel of the X-ray machine and developing the X-ray image of the maxillary sinuses, it is sent to a radiologist for interpretation.

What is sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammatory disease. Its danger lies in the fact that the pathology increases intracranial pressure. A person identifies the disease by specific pain sensations in the forehead and paranasal areas.

The danger of the disease is that the inflammatory infiltrate can enter the brain vessels and cause hemorrhage.

What is chronic hypertrophic sinusitis

Chronic hypertrophic sinusitis in the image does not appear as a darkening with a horizontal fluid level, but as a wall layer with an uneven and somewhat concave contour.

The interpretation of such an image is described as follows: on the radiograph, PPN is a parietal darkening due to a hypertrophied and thickened mucous membrane. In some cases, there is a total darkening of the cavity, which becomes completely airless.

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Source: http://x-raydoctor.ru/rentgen/lor/pridatochnye-pazuhi-nosa.html

Fluorography for inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinuses

Inflammatory changes in the paranasal sinuses have a large share not only in the ENT clinic, but also in general morbidity.

The use of the fluorographic method as a method for individual, group and mass examinations of the paranasal sinuses for the purpose of early detection and diagnosis of inflammatory changes is extremely important, primarily because the paranasal sinuses are inaccessible to conventional methods of rhinological examination.

This leads to the fact that inflammatory diseases, especially the initial forms of the process, often remain unrecognized and patients are deprived of the opportunity to receive the necessary medical care in a timely manner.

In light of this, it became necessary to find out the following: a) the possibilities of fluorography in identifying inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinuses; b) the possibilities of fluorography as a method of dynamic observation and control of the effectiveness of treatment measures for these diseases.

For this purpose, we subjected a fluorographic study and subsequent clinical study to people referred as patients with various presumptive diagnoses (sinusitis, influenza, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, headaches of unknown etiology, trigeminal neuralgia, etc.).

In 7960 of those studied (50.6%), fluorography revealed changes in the paranasal sinuses. At the same time, in 6720 people, which is 42.7% of the number studied and 84.4% of the number of patients in whom changes in the paranasal sinuses were detected, an inflammatory process occurred. It is important to emphasize that the vast majority (4236 patients, i.e. 63%) suffered from an acute inflammatory process, since the duration of the disease (based on anamnestic data) did not exceed 30 days, and only 2494 patients (37%) had a chronic inflammatory process .

These figures convincingly show the huge role played by fluorography as the most accessible, economical and at the same time quite effective research method for the early diagnosis of inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinuses.

Carrying out X-ray fluorographic parallels in 1526 cases of inflammatory processes in the paranasal sinuses showed that in all patients, absolutely identical data were obtained on fluorograms and radiographs taken with the head in an upright position. This indicates the high resolution and value of fluorography in identifying inflammatory diseases. The study of the paranasal sinuses with the patient's head in a horizontal position in a certain number of cases allows us to obtain additional data that is important for deciding on treatment tactics and prognosis.

Additional fluorographic examination with the patient's head in a horizontal position can be carried out using universal fluorographic installations, special cranial fluorographic cameras or X-ray fluorographic tables. In the latter case, both domestic (70X70 mm, 50X50 mm - M. S. Ovoshchnikova) and imported cameras can be used.

In cases where additional research is necessary with a horizontal position of the head, and the design of the fluorographic installation does not allow this, fluorograms taken with the head of the subject being vertically positioned must be supplemented with conventional radiographs.

Fluorography makes it possible to clearly identify various forms of sinusitis: hyperplastic, exudative and mixed forms of sinusitis, ethmoiditis, hyperplastic and exudative forms of sinusitis, hemipansinuits, pansinuits.

Literary data show that among inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinuses, sinusitis has the largest share. In our material, lesions of the maxillary sinuses (sinusitis) were found in 86.67% of patients, inflammatory changes in the frontal sinuses (frontal sinuses) - in 2.4%, lesions of all sinuses on one side (hemipansinitis) - in 7.8%, in the process there were all paranasal sinuses are involved, i.e. pansinuit occurred in 3.2% of patients. We did not identify ethmoiditis, since isolated damage to the cells of the ethmoidal labyrinth is rare. As a rule, ethmoiditis is combined with damage to the maxillary and frontal sinuses.

Based on radiological data, we include all cases of inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinuses, accompanied by thickening of the mucous membrane, in the group of hyperplastic sinusitis, regardless of the nature of the pathoanatomical changes. Thus, this also includes the so-called acute catarrhal sinusitis, in which thickening of the mucous membrane is the result of inflammatory edema or swelling, and not true hyperplasia of the mucous membrane. Experience shows that the most common are hyperplastic sinusitis, characterized by limited parietal or diffuse thickening of the mucous membrane. Unilateral lesions of the maxillary sinuses are more common and bilateral lesions are less common.

Based on the analysis of our own observations regarding acute and chronic hyperplastic sinusitis, it was possible to establish their distinctive radiological feature, which is clearly visible both on conventional radiographs and on fluorograms. In acute hyperplastic sinusitis, the darkening is always more uniform and less intense than in chronic ones. As a result, in acute sinusitis, it is possible to see the walls of the maxillary sinuses through the darkness.

It is important to emphasize that in both acute and chronic diffuse hyperplastic sinusitis, it is not possible to resolve the issue of the presence of fluid, cysts or individual polypous growths in the maxillary sinuses. Therefore, in the presence of diffuse hyperplastic sinusitis (Fig. 108), you can limit yourself to a fluorogram or radiograph taken only with the patient’s head in a vertical position.

In acute and chronic hyperplastic sinusitis, limited parietal thickening of the mucous membrane may occur. According to our observations, chronic hyperplastic sinusitis is characterized by changes in the mucous membrane along all walls, including the medial one (Fig. 109), while in acute processes, thickening of the mucous membrane along the medial wall is observed relatively rarely. From our point of view, this is explained by the fact that in the medial wall of the maxillary sinus there is an outlet opening that provides its better aeration. Therefore, the medial wall is involved in the process later and less frequently.

In addition, acute limited hyperplastic sinusitis is characterized by pillow-shaped thickening of the mucous membrane, as a result of which the latter has a convex contour. In contrast, in chronic limited hyperplastic sinusitis, the mucous membrane is often evenly thickened, and therefore has a relatively even contour. In chronic limited polypous sinusitis, the mucous membrane is thickened unevenly, and therefore its contour will be uneven.

Finally, it should be pointed out that acute sinusitis is characterized by more pronounced thickening (swelling) of the mucous membrane. To a certain extent, this can also serve as a differential diagnostic feature between acute and chronic processes. Polypous changes in the mucous membrane are observed mainly in patients suffering from sinusitis for at least a year.

Objectively assessing the limits and capabilities of fluorography in recognizing sinusitis, we must emphasize that there are no reliable direct radiological symptoms to recognize polypous growths in the maxillary sinuses. In chronic sinusitis, accompanied by polypous changes in the mucous membrane, the darkening of the maxillary sinuses is most often heterogeneous. Therefore, when in a patient with a long history a fluorogram or radiograph reveals inhomogeneous darkening of the maxillary sinuses, it may be suggested that there are polyposis changes in the paranasal sinuses, especially if, simultaneously with changes in the maxillary sinuses, there is a decrease in the transparency of the cells of the ethmoidal labyrinth of the same side. However, the diagnosis of polypous sinusitis can only be established on the basis of a combination of fluorography or radiography and rhinoscopy data. Thus, the combination of heterogeneous darkening of the paranasal sinuses on fluorograms (x-rays) taken with both a vertical and horizontal position of the patient’s head, and polypous changes in the mucous membrane in the nose discovered during rhinoscopy, in the presence of a history of chronic inflammatory process in the paranasal sinuses sinuses, as a rule, allows you to clarify the diagnosis.

Fluorographic examination with the patient's head in a vertical position has the advantage that it helps to identify horizontal levels of fluid in the paranasal cavities.

The use of fluorography has made it possible to prove that during inflammatory processes, fluid in the maxillary and frontal sinuses is much more common than previously thought. We emphasize this because on control radiographs taken by such a patient with the head in a horizontal position, it is not possible to detect the presence of fluid, since the latter spreads evenly throughout the entire maxillary sinus. As a result, the image may show a more or less pronounced uniform darkening (decreased transparency, less pronounced in the superomedial sections of the sinuses), and in the presence of small amounts of fluid, especially serous exudate, no changes can be found at all. As a result, in such patients with exudative hemorrhitis, even with complaints of headache, mucous discharge from the nose and low-grade fever, the radiologist, as a rule, gives a conclusion about the absence of changes in the paranasal sinuses. Meanwhile, timely recognition of exudative sinusitis, the use of drug treatment, physiotherapy, or both methods significantly reduces recovery time and prevents the process from becoming chronic.

In cases where there is an equal amount of fluid in both maxillary sinuses, an x-ray examination with the patient's head in a horizontal position most often reveals the same darkening of both maxillary sinuses, uniform in intensity. With an unequal amount of fluid, the darkening of the maxillary sinuses will also vary in intensity (Fig. 110, a, b).

With sinusitis, as with sinusitis, hyperplastic and exudative changes can be observed. In the frontal sinuses, unlike the maxillary sinuses, an acute inflammatory process often develops.

With frontal sinuses, the same clinical symptoms may occur that occur with inflammatory lesions of other sinuses. This explains why in most patients suffering from frontal sinusitis, it is not possible to establish the correct diagnosis before fluorographic or x-ray examination. At the same time, local pain in the area of ​​the superciliary arches and lacrimation are, to a certain extent, characteristic symptoms of frontal sinusitis.

With hyperplastic frontal sinuses, depending on the degree and nature of changes in the mucous membrane, limited or diffuse darkening of the frontal sinuses is observed on fluorograms and radiographs. In cases of uneven thickening of the mucosa, this darkening will be heterogeneous. In patients with uniform thickening, homogeneous darkening of the sinuses is observed (Fig. 111). When deciding on the structure of the shadow in the frontal sinuses, i.e., its homogeneity or heterogeneity, in each case it is necessary to take into account the features of the anatomical structure. Experience shows that chambers of the frontal sinuses that are different in size and especially in depth, as well as digital impressions in the bones of the skull that are unequal in nature due to projection overlap can simulate a picture of heterogeneous darkening of the frontal sinuses where in reality there are no changes at all or there is a uniform thickening of the mucous membrane.

If a fluorogram (or radiograph) was taken with the patient’s head in a vertical position, then with exudative frontal sinuses, fluid in the frontal sinuses is observed radiographically in the form of a horizontal level. However, more often in the frontal sinus the fluid forms a slightly concave border, which has the appearance of a meniscus. When examining these patients in a horizontal position, no changes in the frontal sinuses can be detected, since the spilled liquid is evenly distributed in a thin layer (Fig. 112, a, b). Even if there is a slight compaction of the mucous membrane of the frontal sinuses, it is not possible to detect this due to the spilled liquid.

In the case when fluid accumulates in a sinus that is larger in size than the other, when examining the patient in a horizontal position, it appears that the transparency of the sinus on the affected side is the same or higher than on the healthy side, and this depends on its size. We emphasize this because in most people the sinuses on both sides are not equally developed. Therefore, photographs taken only with the head in a horizontal position do not make it possible to identify the pathology present in the frontal sinuses.

Fluorography is no less important for the diagnosis of pansinitis, allowing in most cases to establish the nature of the changes in each of the sinuses.

In the presence of rhinological complaints, serous or purulent discharge in the nasal passages, patients are subject to mandatory fluorographic examination to determine the condition in all paranasal sinuses and especially to identify fluid in them, which is of great practical importance for therapeutic tactics and prognosis.

If, thanks to fluorography, inflammatory changes were detected early and medical and physiotherapeutic treatment was carried out, or if fluid was detected, a puncture was performed and the sinuses were washed with antibiotics, the recovery time is much shorter.

At the same time, dynamic fluorographic observation can be decisive in deciding whether to puncture the sinuses. We were able to verify that fluorographically detected fluid in the maxillary sinuses can quickly (within a day) disappear, in particular in people suffering from vasomotor rhinitis. This gives us reason to believe that in a certain percentage of cases, patients have vasomotor sinusitis. Rapid disappearance of fluid is also possible with post-flu changes in the maxillary sinuses. From this follows a practically important conclusion that in cases where fluorographically reveals fluid in the maxillary sinuses, and rhinologically there is a picture of vasomotor rhinitis or no changes are detected at all, before puncture is performed, patients should be subjected to a control fluorographic study.

In assessing the course of the pathological process and the effectiveness of therapeutic measures, fluorography is more important than subjective sensations and rhinoscopic examination data.

In hyperplastic sinusitis, fluorographic examination is an indispensable method of dynamic observation, allowing for good documentation of the condition of the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses at various times and phases of the disease. In chronic sinusitis, dynamic fluorographic observation is a good way to identify exacerbations of the inflammatory process, as well as assess the effectiveness of the treatment measures taken.

Source: http://ja-zdorov.at.ua/publ/osnovy_fljuorografii/fljuorografija_pri_vospalitelnykh_zabolevanijakh_pridatochnykh_pazukh_nosa/

Carrying out an x-ray procedure of the sinuses

X-rays of the sinuses are useful if many different diseases are suspected.

From the article you will learn what a picture of the sinuses can show, how often it can be done and other features of the procedure.

Indications for use

Very often, x-rays of the sinuses are prescribed if any inflammatory process is suspected - sinusitis.

The x-ray shows all the sinuses, and based on the image, the doctor will be able to determine exactly in which part the inflammation is located.

With sinusitis, inflammation is in the upper jaw, with frontal sinusitis - in the frontal lobe, with ethmoiditis, the patient experiences darkening of the mastoid cells, and with sphenoiditis, pathological processes occur in the sphenoid bone.

Pathological processes in the sinuses are typical for both adults and children. At first, many people confuse sinusitis with a common runny nose, but the intensity of its manifestation is much stronger.

For example, with sinusitis, in addition to the severe and almost constant nasal congestion that is characteristic of this disease, the patient may also find yellow or green mucus in the back of the throat.

Depending on which sinus is inflamed, a person may experience pain in the cheeks, forehead, and eyes. With sphenoiditis, the patient may also notice decreased vision and ear problems.

Sinusitis is unpleasant in itself, but its consequences, in particular meningitis, can be much more dangerous.

This disease develops when the infection enters the brain through a thin bone, which separates the source of inflammation from the sinuses.

Meningitis is a very complex and dangerous disease that can cause enormous harm to the body, therefore, at the first symptoms of sinusitis, you should definitely consult a doctor and undergo an x-ray of the paranasal sinuses - this will help determine the exact localization of the problem and quickly deal with it.

In addition to inflammatory diseases in the sinuses, x-rays can be taken if the doctor suspects the presence of neoplasms in this area, in particular a malignant or benign tumor, polyps or cysts.

In this case, an x-ray will help to quickly see the presence of tumors, and to study them more thoroughly, another procedure, for example, an MRI, will be needed.

In addition, a picture of the sinuses is needed to prepare the patient for surgery, as well as after it, to see the effectiveness of the treatment.

What can be seen in the photo?

The most important thing that a picture of the nasal sinuses shows the doctor is the localization of inflammation, since it is precisely when it is suspected that an x-ray is most often prescribed.

With sinusitis, inflammation can be seen in the paranasal sinuses: in the picture it looks like a semi-oval darkening on both sides of the nose.

Normally, the color of the lateral sinuses in the picture is approximately the same as that of the eye sockets, but with sinusitis they become much darker due to bacteria and fluid accumulating in this area.

Most often, inflammation can be seen in this area, since the lateral sinuses are the first to become inflamed with sinusitis.

If the disease is started, it progresses and moves to the frontal areas.

On an x-ray, this appears as sinuses with sinusitis, but the localization of the darkening in this case will be at the top in the middle, right above the nose.

In some cases, the doctor may detect damage to several sinuses, which simultaneously indicates sinusitis and frontal sinusitis in the patient.

Reading the x-ray shows the doctor not only the affected area, but also how far the disease has spread, which will help the doctor decide on the most effective treatment method.

Thanks to the contrast provided by x-rays, deviations from the norm will be immediately visible, but in some cases they may raise doubts.

For example, a milky area may indicate sinusitis, but is not a direct confirmation of its presence.

Because of this, doctors often take pictures in two projections: frontal and lateral, which allows them to examine the sinuses in more detail and accurately make a diagnosis.

However, X-rays also have disadvantages: they cannot be used to determine the type of fluid in the sinuses.

For example, with sinusitis it can be catarrhal, mucous or purulent - all this indicates the need for different treatment.

But x-rays show both catarrhal and purulent sinusitis with the same darkening.

In some cases, one can make an assumption about the morphological structure of the fluid in the sinuses, but x-rays do not provide an accurate picture.

As a rule, for sinusitis diagnosed by x-ray, depending on the extent of the problem, the doctor prescribes standard treatment, but if it does not work and there is a suspicion of pus in the fluid, the patient may be offered a nasal puncture.

In some cases, x-rays of the sinus area are done with contrast: this is necessary in cases where the doctor suspects the presence of a cyst or tumor in the sinuses.

When using contrast, the area with neoplasms will be strikingly different from the norm, which will allow the doctor to make the correct diagnosis.

How is the procedure done?

There is nothing complicated about x-raying the nasal sinuses - the procedure has no contraindications and can be prescribed to absolutely everyone, with the exception of pregnant women.

This limitation is associated not only with the examination of the sinuses, but also other organs using X-rays, since this study, although safe, can, nevertheless, negatively affect the internal development of the fetus.

During the procedure, the patient must be in a standing position, but in some cases it will be more convenient for the doctor to take the picture in a horizontal position.

In most cases, the patient sits or stands opposite the X-ray stand - this is the position most often required in case of possible sinusitis in the patient.

During the x-ray, the patient must remain completely still: the chin must be placed on the device stand so that the nose is 2 centimeters away from it. In this case, the midline of the head should be located sagittally.

After this, the patient may be asked to change position, since very often a picture taken in one projection is not enough to make an accurate diagnosis.

If the doctor needs to conduct an X-ray with a contrast agent, then it is administered immediately before the procedure, specifying whether the patient has allergies or any other contraindications.

A study with contrast in different projections can take up to half an hour, while a regular x-ray will take the patient no more than ten minutes.

Deciphering is the final and most important stage of the entire procedure, because the further effectiveness of the treatment and the speed of the patient’s recovery depend on its correctness.

Typically, decoding is done immediately after the x-ray is completed - it only takes a few minutes.

The doctor will sequentially examine the images, after which you can say in which exact area the inflammatory process is occurring or draw a conclusion about the presence or absence of a cyst, tumor or polyps in any of the nasal sinuses.

X-ray of the nasal sinuses is extremely effective for sinusitis, sphenoiditis, suspected neoplasms and other pathologies.

X-rays are completely safe and painless, they pass very quickly, so if there are indications, it is definitely worth doing.

We did such an x-ray several times, you can even often say that it’s not a cold, it’s a suspicion of sinusitis.

Source: http://moydiagnos.ru/issledovaniya/rentgen/pazuh-nosa.html

X-ray of the sinuses

To diagnose inflammatory processes, in most cases, radiography of the paranasal sinuses is used. It is prescribed to identify various pathologies and inflammatory diseases that occur in this facial area. Learn about the features of this procedure and the problems it detects.

What is radiography of the paranasal sinuses?

To detect the inflammatory process, radiography is often prescribed. X-rays of the sinuses will help detect various dangerous diseases at the initial stage of development. This procedure is very simple, painless and does not take much time. Often, this technique makes it possible to detect swelling and fluid in the paranasal sinuses, the presence of neoplasms (cysts, tumors), defects in the structure of the facial skeleton, damage, and injuries of various kinds.

Indications for the purpose of the study

X-ray of the nose is an effective digital technique through which you can quickly obtain the necessary information about the pathology of the olfactory organ or paranasal cavities. X-rays are performed for the following indications:

  1. Regular nosebleeds that appear for no apparent reason.
  2. Closed or open injury to the nasal bones or facial skull.
  3. Possibility of sinusitis (with symptoms: rhinitis, headaches, high fever, difficulty breathing).
  4. Another prerequisite for x-rays of the sinuses is the suspicion of the presence of polyps, adenoids, cysts, tumors, and foreign objects.
  5. Assessing the progress of the treatment process.
  6. Preparatory activities for surgery.

Contraindications to the procedure

X-ray of the paranasal sinuses has several contraindications. It should not be given to pregnant women and children under seven years of age. The procedure is harmless and has low radiation exposure, but it is contraindicated for expectant mothers due to the strong sensitivity of the fetus to such research. X-rays during pregnancy can cause birth defects in the baby.

X-rays of the sinuses may be prescribed extremely rarely for preschoolers, because gamma rays can negatively affect the growth of the child’s bones. In isolated cases, the doctor issues a referral for radiography for children under 7 years of age and pregnant women (if the study becomes an alternative to the probable harm that the diagnosed disease may cause).

How often can an x-ray of the sinuses be taken?

Many people are interested in how often it is allowed to take x-rays of the paranasal sinuses. After any examination performed using gamma rays, the patient’s outpatient card is supplemented with a record of the radiation exposure value. If it turns out that these examinations were carried out too often, the doctor may prohibit a repeat procedure. There is a caveat: X-ray of the nose has a very low radiation dose, so this activity is performed as many times as necessary to make a diagnosis.

How is diagnostics carried out?

X-rays of the maxillary sinuses are performed simply and quickly, without special preparation. Diagnosis is carried out on an outpatient basis. The patient must remove all metal products from himself. A person enters a special room where the research will be carried out. He needs to take a specific pose, which directly depends on the projection of the future photo. As a rule, the procedure is performed in two projections: occipitomental and occipitofrontal. An X-ray of the nose is done while standing, while holding your breath. The photograph is developed, dried and studied.

Decoding the testimony

In the images obtained after the diagnostic procedure, the doctor can detect various types of inflammation, tumors, foreign bodies in the sinuses, cysts, deviated nasal septum, developmental defects and the location of injured facial bones. Radiography can also be used by doctors to diagnose sinusitis, an inflammatory process that affects the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses.

When pathology is detected in the sinus of the upper jaw, a diagnosis of sinusitis is made, other areas - ethmoiditis, frontal sinusitis, sphenoiditis. If pathology is detected in time, there is a chance to avoid the development of serious complications (including inflammation of the meninges). The doctor includes all the changes that the x-ray shows in the medical report, with which the patient is referred to the necessary specialist.

Where and how much does a sinus x-ray cost?

An examination of the nose and its parts can be done in a public or private paid medical office in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities of the country. Below is the approximate price of an x-ray examination, which depends on the specific clinic:

  1. X-ray of the paranasal sinuses (one projection) – from 1300 rubles.
  2. X-ray of the nasal sinuses (2 projections) – from 1,700 rubles.

Reviews

Irina, 28 years old: She seriously injured her face. When I was brought to the hospital, the surgeon ordered an x-ray. The procedure was quick and painless. Half an hour later, the doctor brought a picture and explained that the impact had caused cracks in the facial bones. Thanks to such an effective procedure as a nasal x-ray, treatment was prescribed immediately.

Maria, 35 years old: When her daughter was 14 years old, she began to experience alarming symptoms: a severe headache, runny nose, fever rose every day, and it became difficult to breathe through her nose. We arrived at an appointment with a doctor we knew, and he sent the child for an x-ray of the paranasal sinuses. As a result, a diagnosis of sinusitis was made and timely therapy was prescribed.

Oleg, 55 years old: I was bothered by strange sensations in the nose area. I decided to have an x-ray. This procedure is carried out quickly and does not cause discomfort. Using this examination, the doctor identified a darkening, which turned out to be a benign tumor. The tumor was safely removed, I feel great and recommend being examined more often.

The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and make recommendations for treatment based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

Source: http://sovets.net/6178-rentgen-pazukh-nosa.html

X-ray of the paranasal sinuses

X-rays help diagnose various sinus diseases. X-rays are prescribed if necessary to identify various pathological diseases that occur in the facial area. An X-ray of the nose helps identify tumors, polyps, and foreign bodies in the nasal cavity.

X-rays are often used to monitor the effectiveness of therapy. A similar study of the maxillary sinus is often prescribed to patients with chronic sinusitis. Pictures are taken in frontal and lateral projection. Any changes in the bone structure help identify diseases. In the image they appear as darkening of the sinuses. An otolaryngologist will tell you where you can get an x-ray.

Why is an x-ray of the paranasal sinuses prescribed?

In most cases, specialists prescribe x-rays of the paranasal sinuses when there is a suspicion of sinusitis. Each form of sinusitis appears differently on an x-ray. Among the forms of sinusitis are:

An image of the paranasal sinuses is in most cases quite informative. All of the listed forms are clearly displayed on the images; in case of any ambiguity, the patient is referred to a computed tomography scan of the sinuses.

With exudative sinusitis, a darkening appears in the image in the area of ​​the upper horizontal border. With parietal sinusitis, they can be traced near the bone walls due to compaction of the mucous membranes. The edges of the sinuses with this type of sinusitis are uneven and turned inward. In the polypous form of the pathology, a parietal protrusion occurs.

It is extremely difficult to recognize catarrhal, serous and purulent sinusitis on an x-ray due to the fact that it is similar to exudative sinusitis. It is possible to distinguish these forms only after puncture and examination of the liquid substrate for morphology. Forms of sinusitis are classified depending on the location of the lesion. If the lesion occurs on both sides, hemisinusitis is diagnosed; if the inflammatory process occurs simultaneously in several cavities, pansinusitis is diagnosed.

What does an x-ray show?

X-ray of the paranasal sinuses is an acceptable method used to diagnose sinusitis. The image helps determine the presence or absence of cavities, their changed shape and size. The image clearly shows which sinuses are affected.

  • Based on the x-ray, a unilateral or bilateral process is determined.
  • With catarrhal sinusitis, thickening of the edges of the walls is noticeable.
  • In the case of a clear separation of the thick layer of mucosa and thickening of the edges of the bone, the chronic course of the pathology is stated.
  • During the period of exacerbation, a smooth transition appears.
  • Scars appear on the mucous membranes after acute sinusitis; on radiography they appear as an additional contour.
  • A characteristic feature is that with catarrhal sinusitis the sinus may not be completely darkened; often an air cavity remains in the center. This is a manifestation of hyperplasia in a chronic process.
  • A clear contour of this space signals a remission, a blurred outline indicates an exacerbation.
  • With exudative sinusitis, darkening of the sinus occurs with a horizontal limitation at the top. This limitation reflects the level of mucous content in the sinus.
  • With polyposis, spotty shading occurs; shadows are observed, which, with multiple lesions, have a massive character.
  • With allergic sinusitis, various changes are often recorded; swelling tends to appear in different places in the cavity.
  • Cysts on an x-ray have a round shape. The darkening in this case can appear with different intensities.

An x-ray allows you to determine the presence of a foreign object in the nasal cavity, this is especially important for young children. Also, this research method can confirm or refute a bone fracture. The image allows not only to identify the disease, but also to track its dynamics during therapy. Deciphering will help identify the area of ​​distribution of the pathology. In order to determine the nature of the fluid, you need to puncture the sinus.

Normal indicators

If there are no pathological processes in the sinuses, then the bone walls on the x-ray will have clearly defined contours. The airiness is compared with the existing standard. The contours of the lattice cells should also appear. The X-ray method of examination is used in cases of suspected sinusitis in the initial stages.

How often can an x-ray be taken?

Many patients are interested in the question of how often x-rays of the sinuses can be taken. It is worth noting that after such a study, a record of the level of gamma radiation received is required to be made in the patient’s outpatient card. The doctor may prohibit X-ray examination if the patient has taken pictures more than once before.

It is important to remember that a ban on repeating the procedure is stated in extremely rare cases. It is worth considering that the radiation dose received by the patient during an X-ray of the nose is extremely small and therefore the event is carried out as many times as necessary to accurately determine the diagnosis.

Contraindications

Do not forget that this event has a number of contraindications. The X-ray examination method is prohibited for use on children under 7 years of age and pregnant women. You should not think that this is an extremely dangerous procedure; it is considered relatively harmless, but it is contraindicated for pregnant women due to the fact that the fetus is overly sensitive to radiation.

Radiation can cause the development of birth defects in a newborn. For preschool children, x-rays of the maxillary sinuses are prescribed in extremely rare cases. This is due to the fact that radiation has a negative effect on the process of growth and development of bone tissue. The advisability of performing x-rays on young children can only be determined by a doctor. Because only a specialist can sensibly assess the balance of harm and benefit in an exceptional case.

Are sinus x-rays harmful?

The resulting radiation dose from an x-ray of the nasal sinuses does not exceed 1.18 millisieverts. It is possible to obtain dosages of lower concentrations, the circumstances depend on the equipment used. It is worth noting that the maximum permissible annual dose of radiation is 150 millisieverts, therefore the likelihood of developing oncological processes in the body is reduced to zero even in the case of several x-ray examinations.

It is important to note that the received radiation doses must be noted in the patient’s outpatient record. This is necessary so that in case of any unforeseen situations they can be summed up.

It is worth remembering that after an x-ray a restorative diet is necessary. It is useful to enrich your diet with vitamins A, C, E, and increase the consumption of dairy and fermented milk products.

Disadvantages of the method

Radiography is a full-fledged research method that is quite widely used in medical practice. But this method has its drawbacks, including:

  • a picture of the sinuses does not always allow one to determine the nature and localization of inflammation in the sinus;
  • not informative regarding intranasal structures;
  • X-rays do not reveal the spread of the inflammatory process to the cranial area;
  • cannot be used to diagnose the disease in pregnant women.

It is worth remembering that medicine is developing very quickly, and radiography is currently not the most informative technique. In most cases, patients are prescribed a CT scan.

Source: http://gaimorit-sl.ru/diagnostika/rentgen-pazuh-nosa.html