Normal vs Abnormal Sinus CT Scan: How to Read Your Sinus Scan Results

What is a Sinus CT Scan?

A sinus CT scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed pictures of the sinuses and surrounding areas. CT stands for "computed tomography." The test is non-invasive and allows doctors to examine the paranasal sinuses in great detail for signs of infection, obstruction, or other abnormalities.

Reasons for a Sinus CT Scan

Common reasons your doctor may order a sinus CT scan include:

• Recurrent or chronic sinus infections
• Nasal obstruction or congestion
• Facial pain, pressure, or headache
• Post-nasal drip
• Suspected sinusitis that doesn't respond to medications
• Nasal or sinus polyps
• Deviated nasal septum
• Sinus surgery planning
• Checking sinus development in children

Preparing for a Sinus CT

To prepare for your sinus CT scan:

• Inform your doctor about any medications, drug allergies, or if you are pregnant.
• Fast for a few hours before the test to decrease nasal secretions.
• Arrive early and change into a hospital gown.
• Remove metal jewelry and eyeglasses before the scan.

You may be given a contrast solution to drink that enhances visibility of sinus structures and fluid accumulation on the scan.

The Sinus CT Procedure

During the test:

• You lie face up on a table that slides through the CT scanner, which looks like a large donut.
• The scanner rotates around you, taking multiple X-ray images from different angles.
• You may be asked to hold your breath at certain points.
• The test is painless and takes 10-30 minutes.
• Some facilities have an open ring-like scanner for claustrophobic patients.

Looking at Normal vs. Abnormal Sinus CT Scans

Once complete, a radiologist examines the images from your sinus CT. Here are key things they look for in determining if the scan is normal or abnormal:

Sinus Cavities

Normal: Sinuses appear as black, air-filled spaces. Lining is thin and regular.

Abnormal: Sinuses look cloudy or partially filled. Thickened, irregular lining may indicate inflammation or polyps.

Sinus Openings

Normal: Openings between sinuses and nasal cavity are clear and wide open.

Abnormal: Blocked or narrowed sinus drainage pathways, especially in the ostiomeatal complex.

Nasal Septum

Normal: Midline septum separating nasal passages is thin, straight, and centered.

Abnormal: Crooked, deviated, or thickened septum. Bone spurs may partially block nasal passages.

Fluid Buildup

Normal: No excessive mucus or fluid visible in sinuses or nasal cavity.

Abnormal: Fluid levels or mucosal thickening from sinus obstruction or infection.

Soft Tissues

Normal: Nasal turbinates, the ethmoid sinus, and lining are normal in appearance.

Abnormal: Swollen, inflamed turbinates or ethmoid sinusitis. Polyps or other masses.

Bony Structures

Normal: Sinus walls and compartmentalization appear intact. No bone defects.

Abnormal: Missing sinus walls, blocked compartments, bone thickening, or destroyed bone indicate prior surgery.

Advantages of a Sinus CT Scan

Some benefits of a sinus CT scan include:

• Provides more detail than regular X-rays
• Clearly images small structures in the sinuses
• Helps pinpoint the location of infections or blockages
• Detects both bone and soft tissue abnormalities
• Fast scan time
• Non-invasive procedure

Sinus CT Scan vs. MRI

While CT provides excellent bony detail, MRI creates better images of sinus soft tissues. MRI avoids radiation exposure. CT has faster scan times and lower cost compared to MRI. Combining CT and MRI maximizes information on sinus disease.

Risks of a Sinus CT Scan

Potential risks include:

• Exposure to radiation
• Allergic reaction to contrast dye
• Missing subtle sinus disease if not scrutinized thoroughly
• Incidental findings unrelated to sinuses
• Misinterpretation of minor variations as disease

Sinus CT Scan Results

The radiologist will analyze the images and send a report to your doctor detailing if your sinuses appear normal or show any abnormalities. Your doctor will explain the results and recommend appropriate treatment if sinus disease is found.

Normal Sinus CT Treatment

With a normal sinus CT scan, treatment may include:

• Symptom relief measures like nasal saline spray
• Medications like antihistamines for allergies
• Antibiotics if an infection is found through additional testing
• Nasal steroid sprays for inflammation
• Alternative therapies like nasal irrigation

Abnormal Sinus CT Treatment

If the CT reveals sinus abnormalities, possible treatments include:

• Prescription nasal sprays or sinus rinses
• Oral antibiotics or steroids for infection or inflammation
• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)
• Balloon sinus dilation
• Sinus stents or implants
• Polyps removal

When to Get a Repeat Sinus CT Scan

Reasons for a repeat sinus CT include:

• Worsening symptoms after treatment
• Monitoring for recurrence after sinus surgery
• Ensure infection has resolved before stopping antibiotics
• Assessing a child's sinus development
• Screening sinus cancer risks
• Re-evaluating chronic sinus disease

Discuss appropriate timing with your doctor based on your condition.

Preparing for Your Sinus CT Results

To get the most out of your sinus CT results:

• Bring any recent sinus X-rays for comparison.
• Write down current symptoms and medication questions.
• Ask about further testing if the scan can't pinpoint the diagnosis.
• Discuss all treatment options, benefits, and risks.
• Request copies of the images for your records.

The Bottom Line

A sinus CT scan produces detailed images that allow detection of even subtle abnormalities in the sinus cavities and drainage pathways. Understanding how to interpret the scan results and work with your doctor is key to getting proper treatment and relief of your sinus symptoms.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.