Sinuses ultrasound
Is the highly informative method of investigation of the paranasal sinuses to identify which pathological process. Today sinuses ultrasound is one of the main diagnostic procedures, which is widely used in medicine and dentistry. Informative alternative to sinuses ultrasound is MRI of the skull, but it has several contraindications and high cost of implementation.
Sinuses investigated
- Middle turbinate
- Ethmoid bulla
- Uncinate process
- Maxillary infundibulum
- Hiatus semilunaris (ie, space beneath the middle turbinate)
- Maxillary os
Parameters defined during the test
- The shape and size of the paranasal sinuses
- The contours of the paranasal sinuses
- Condition of surrounding structures
- The presence of fluid or foreign bodies in the paranasal sinuses
- Stuffy nose with thick nasal secretions that may appear white, yellow, or green
- Pain or tenderness in the forehead, between the eyes, in the cheeks, and upper jaw
- Swelling around the eyes, around the nose, and in the cheeks
- Decreased sense of smell
- Postnasal drainage
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Earache
- Fever
Preparation and methodology
Ultrasound examination of the sinuses does not require special preparation before it is executed. The procedure is usually performed in a sitting position. With the aim of identifying liquid formations inside the paranasal sinuses during the diagnostic procedure the patient may be asked to change the position of the head. Diagnosis does not cause irritation or discomfort.
Abnormalities determined by Sinus X-Ray
- Sinusitis
- Paranasal sinus cyst
- Paranasal sinus tumors
- Paranasal sinus fractures
- Foreign bodies in the paranasal sinuses