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X-ray of the sinuses: description of the procedure. Reviews, price

Sometimes after suffering from a cold, the condition will worsen again. The temperature rises, the flow of mucus from the nose increases, nasal breathing becomes difficult, heaviness in the forehead and headache appear. All these alarming signs indicate sinusitis - inflammation of the air sinuses.

In the diagnosis of sinusitis, the leading role belongs to x-rays of the paranasal sinuses. Without high-quality images, it is impossible to judge the nature and severity of inflammation, and incorrect diagnosis can lead to complications of sinusitis from the ENT organs and brain. Therefore, photographs of the sinuses should be taken in modern medical institutions, and Miracle Doctor is one of such clinics.

Advantages of radiography of the air sinuses at the Miracle Doctor clinic

  • Doctors
    Our radiologists have the first and highest qualification categories. These are experienced specialists who have been diagnosing various diseases of the ENT organs for many years, incl. – inflammatory processes in the air sinuses.
  • Equipment
    Our modern devices from the best foreign manufacturers have maximum resolution.

Three reasons for performing an X-ray of the nose and sinuses at the Miracle Doctor clinic

  • Information content
    Thanks to modern digital technologies, we obtain images with maximum resolution. A digital photograph is not only high quality, but also convenient. There is no need to store a large number of films - all data is entered into a computer or reproduced on digital media. For many patients, we take repeated images to assess the dynamics of the process and the effectiveness of treatment.
  • Comprehensive nature of the study
    In the process of radiography, we examine not only one sinus, but all of them - two maxillary, two frontal, sphenoid (or main), as well as cells of the ethmoid bone. Along with the sinuses, neighboring anatomical areas are also examined. For example, radiography of the maxillary sinuses is combined with radiography of the orbits, upper jaw, oral cavity, and temporal bone. Thanks to comprehensive diagnostics, we detect complications in a timely manner in the very initial phase of their development.
  • Diagnostics of all age categories
    We examine not only adults, but also children, because young patients are significantly susceptible to sinusitis.

X-ray of sinuses in the clinic

No special preparation is required for sinus x-rays. Before radiography, you must remove metal jewelry. Removable dentures also need to be removed. When assessing the data, pay attention to the clarity of the contours of the walls, pneumatization (airiness), the presence of structural changes, darkening in the sinuses.

Using radiography, purulent effusion, traumatic injuries, congenital anomalies, as well as various types of tumors are detected in the sinuses, incl. cysts and polyps.

For sinusitis, we take at least 3 photographs. The first is at the onset of the disease or at the time of treatment. The next picture (or several) is taken during the treatment process, the last one is taken during recovery.

If you have characteristic complaints, you can have an x-ray of your nose, having previously agreed on the date for it with our staff.

X-rays of the sinuses are performed to determine the condition of the paranasal sections and bone walls. The method is based on transillumination of the nasal cavity with short-length gamma rays, thanks to which the doctor receives a picture of the pathologies of the area being examined.

X-ray of the paranasal sinuses is a method of radiological examination that has been used since 1895. It is based on the ability of bone tissue and fluids to retain γ-rays. The results of an otolaryngological examination are stored on film and serve as a tool for diagnosing pathologies. The study is more informative than fluorography and safer than ultrasound.

Examination of the paranasal sinuses in this way helps determine acute or chronic diseases. And also confirm the presence of a foreign object in children.

Indications for diagnostics

The following indications for X-ray examination of the PPN are distinguished:

  • head injuries;
  • headache in the forehead, eyes, bridge of the nose;
  • headache when bending the head forward, which can radiate to the upper jaw;
  • nosebleeds;
  • frequent or severe nasal congestion;
  • discomfort in the nasal area after ARVI;
  • a combination of symptoms such as rhinorrhea, lacrimation, fear of light;
  • long-term temperature above 37.2;
  • suspicion of inflammation, cavity formation or tumor;
  • adenoid hypertrophy in children.

Diagnosis of the paranasal sinuses of the face is carried out before surgery and to monitor the treatment of pathologies over time. In the first case, a contrast research method is used.

What the study shows

X-ray of the SNP helps determine:

  • sinusitis in acute or chronic form;
  • cyst;
  • benign or malignant tumor;
  • injury to the nose or facial bones;
  • deviated septum;
  • osteomyelitis (purulent-necrotic pathology of bone marrow and bones);
  • osteoporosis.

The video talks about how and what radiography of the paranasal sinuses helps to identify. Filmed by the Moscow Doctor channel.

Are x-rays of the sinuses harmful and how often can they be done?

In case of inflammation of the SNP, images are taken several times during one course of treatment. To observe cysts and benign formations over time, it is necessary to take an x-ray once a year. X-rays performed twice within 12 months are considered optimal. In any case, the procedure should be performed as many times as prescribed by the attending physician.

It does not cause harm due to the low radiation dose, equal to 0.02 with a digital x-ray and 0.04 millisievert with a film x-ray. The acceptable annual dose for humans is 150 millisieverts.

Contraindications and restrictions

Contraindications to X-ray examination include pregnancy and children under 7 years of age. The influence of gamma rays on the fetus can provoke the development of pathologies. The procedure can be performed if it is impossible to do an ultrasound or the woman’s health justifies the possible risk to the fetus.

Are radiography prescribed for children?

It is not advisable to send children for x-rays due to the negative effects of radiation on the skeletal system. However, if there is no alternative, if the doctor deems it necessary, you should not refuse. Some experienced ENT doctors and radiologists believe that the diagnostic method is suitable for children from 5 years of age.

Preparing for an X-ray

Preparation for the procedure comes down to two rules:

  • remove jewelry and other metal objects located in the head area (chain, earrings, hairpins, hoop);
  • wear a special apron (lead), which is issued immediately before the x-ray.

There are no restrictions related to food or liquid intake.

It is necessary to clarify when and how to take an x-ray when observing the disease over time. For example, if a patient is having a cuckoo sinus irrigate, x-rays are taken before the sinuses are cleared of fluid.

How does the procedure work and how long does it last?

The duration of the study is several minutes.

X-rays are taken depending on the indications as follows:

  1. The patient enters a special room. Children are accompanied by adults.
  2. In a standing or sitting position, the radiologist fixes the head in the position required to take the image. This can be a straight or lateral plane, a projection of the chin, the occipito-frontal part or the occipito-mental part. One of the parents holds the child's head.
  3. You need to take a deep breath and hold your breath for a few seconds.
  4. The doctor will inform you that the procedure is complete.
  5. The picture develops within 15-20 minutes.

— is told in a video from the Live Healthy channel.

Interpretation of results

The interpretation of the results of an x-ray examination may be as follows:

  • normal (taking into account the patient’s age);
  • the presence of dark spots in the paranasal sinuses;
  • thickening;
  • visible trauma or the presence of a foreign body.

Norm

An X-ray of the sinuses of a healthy person looks like this:

  1. The nasal septum divides the nasal cavity into symmetrical sides of a triangle.
  2. The white stripes running to the right and left of the divided area are the nasal passages.
  3. The triangular cavities on the sides of the nose are the maxillary sinuses.
  4. Between the eye sockets there is an ethmoid sinus with thin walls, the cells of which should be clearly visible.
  5. Above the orbits, the frontal sinuses are defined, which can have different shapes. Their separation by bone partitions is allowed.
  6. There must be air in the sinuses. Their edges, like the contours of the bones, should be clear and even.

Photo of a healthy person

Darkening, cavities and thickening in the image

We can talk about diagnosing a pathology if the images show the following:

  • darkening the area;
  • thickening;
  • the presence of a cavity of different shapes;
  • deformation of bone tissue.

Acute inflammation is characterized by thickening of the mucosa and deformation of its borders (with purulent contents). The presence and level of fluid are determined by horizontal demarcation in the sinuses. An x-ray will not tell you about the composition of the contents; for this you will need to make a puncture (puncture). If the inflammation is chronic, the mucous membrane thickens and the lumen in the sinus becomes smaller.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis on an x-ray looks like a darkening, which has characteristic differences in various pathologies.

The pictures should be decrypted like this:

  1. With hyperplastic sinusitis, there is thickening of the mucosa directly next to the bone. In this case, the internal contour becomes wavy and blurry.
  2. With catarrhal sinusitis, thickening of the mucosal walls with complete or partial darkening is noted. The presence of a light cavity in the center of the sinus indicates a chronic process.
  3. With exudative sinusitis, darkening of the paranasal sinuses occurs with a horizontal delimitation, reflecting the level of fluid filling.
  4. With vasomotor and allergic sinusitis, pronounced swelling of the mucous membrane is noted.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the lining of the maxillary sinuses.

The following types of sinusitis are diagnosed:

  1. Exudative. The presence of fluid in the upper sinuses on one or both sides.
  2. Parietal. Localization of inflammation near the bone walls. The edges of the mucous membrane are deformed and directed inside the sinus.
  3. Polypous. There is bulging of areas of the mucous membrane, which can be either single or multiple.

Neoplasms and cysts in the sinuses

If photographs of the paranasal sinuses reveal a cavity with dense contents, this indicates the presence of a benign or malignant formation. In most cases, neoplasms are found by chance during the diagnosis of other pathologies.

A sinus cyst is defined as a light, rounded area located outside the sinus mucosa. Its edges are clear and even.

Bone injuries

If a bone is broken or displaced, it will be visible on an x-ray. Bone injuries may appear on x-rays as dense fragments in the sinuses. The image helps to establish the location of the fracture and the displacement of bone fragments, if present. Severe fractures are accompanied by bleeding, which will appear as fluid in the sinuses. The doctor may also detect an old injury that appears as a callus on the image.

X-ray of the paranasal sinuses- radiographic method for studying the paranasal sinuses. An x-ray of the sinuses allows you to evaluate the presence of inflammation, fluid, as well as fractures and displacement of the nasal bones.

In what cases is it required? An x-ray of the paranasal sinuses is performed to diagnose the presence of foreign bodies, cysts, tumors, bone injuries, delayed teeth growth, fractures of the facial bones, absence and underdevelopment of the sinuses, and inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.

Procedure. X-ray of the nose does not require special preparation. Contraindications: pregnancy, breastfeeding, open pneumothorax, pulmonary hemorrhage. When taking an x-ray, the patient rests on his chin and must keep his mouth open during the X-ray.

Price. Average cost of x-ray of the paranasal sinuses: 1200 rubles.

Questions and answers:

Where to get an x-ray of the paranasal sinuses in Moscow?

The website DocDoc.ru contains the best clinics in Moscow, which conduct diagnostic X-ray examinations of the paranasal sinuses. Choose a center for this procedure directly on our website based on criteria that are important to you: location of the center, price, work schedule.

How much does an x-ray of the paranasal sinuses cost?

Prices for x-rays of the paranasal sinuses depend on many factors, primarily on the quality of the equipment and the location of the diagnostic center. On DocDoc.ru you will find the best centers in Moscow, which you can sort by cost of the procedure. The questionnaire for each center contains information about its work schedule, and also contains a telephone number where you can immediately sign up for a study.

X-ray of the sinuses is an informative diagnostic technique that allows you to identify various diseases of the nasal sinuses. It is used to determine the presence of tumors, polyps, and foreign bodies in the nasal cavity, and also monitor the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy.

X-ray examination is prescribed to patients at the first suspicion of the development of an inflammatory process. Diagnostics are required after fractures of the facial bones, head injuries, and in children in order to detect foreign objects. For adults, radiography is performed if there are complaints about:

  • discomfort in the nose after a viral infection;
  • frequent headaches that get worse when bending over;
  • congestion, breathing problems;
  • bleeding;
  • tearfulness and photophobia;
  • increase in body temperature for no apparent reason.

These symptoms often accompany inflammation of the nasal sinuses, which is accompanied by a pathological accumulation of exudate. The resulting images clearly show areas of accumulation of pus, which makes it possible to determine the degree of development of the disease.


Doctors also use x-ray examination as monitoring. For many pathologies, repeated images of the paranasal sinuses are required to assess the results of therapy. If the information content of such diagnostics is insufficient, computed tomography may be prescribed.

Contraindications and side effects of the procedure

X-rays of the sinuses have a number of contraindications. This diagnostic method is not used when examining children under 5 years of age and pregnant women. The procedure is not actually dangerous for the mother, but the radiation produced by the X-ray machine can affect the development of the fetus.

Preschool children are prescribed x-rays of the paranasal sinuses only for vital indications. The need for the procedure is determined only by the doctor. There is an opinion that radiation can affect the development of bone tissue and the growth of the baby. In this case, you should evaluate the possible risks when performing an X-ray of the child’s nose.

What can you see in X-ray images?

What can an x-ray of the sinuses show? In case of diseases of the paranasal cavities, the doctor can determine on X-ray images:

  1. Signs of an inflammatory process. The sinus mucosa becomes denser, and the level of accumulated exudate is clearly visible.
  2. Signs of a chronic disease. The photographs reveal a significant thickening of the mucosa and a decrease in the lumen in the cavity.
  3. Signs of injury. Fractures of bone tissue, free fragments inside the sinus, as well as displacement of fragments are clearly visible.
  4. Signs of cystic formation. Outside the border of the nasal sinus, a rounded clearing is determined.
  5. Signs of tumor formation. The images reveal a tumor in the sinus cavity that has increased density.

To obtain more accurate information about diseases of the nasal sinuses, it is possible to conduct radiography of the paranasal sinuses with contrast. A special substance is injected into the cavity, which is not capable of transmitting radiation; as a result, the outlines of the sinus and existing irregularities are clearly visible.

How is the procedure performed?

If the patient has received a referral for examination of the sinuses, then he should know how an x-ray is taken. No special preparation is required for x-ray examination of the nasal sinuses. There are no restrictions on taking medications, no special diet is needed. The only thing is that before the procedure, the doctor will ask you to remove all metal objects: removable dentures, glasses, all kinds of jewelry. Extra things can “obscure” the necessary places in the image, which will interfere with correct diagnosis.

X-rays of the nasal sinuses are taken in four projections:

  • chinocranial;
  • posteroanterior projection;
  • lateral;
  • Waters' position.

The X-ray machine is equipped with special devices that support the head. This is necessary to fix the patient in one position. The rest of the body is covered with a special protective apron that does not allow radiation to pass through.


The examination of the nasal sinuses takes no more than 5-10 minutes. Sometimes you need to wait for the radiologist to verify the quality of the images obtained. Next, the results of the study are sent for description, after which the conclusion is given to the patient.

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

After each radiographic examination of the paranasal sinuses, a record of the radiation exposure value is made in the patient’s chart. If the doctor sees that the diagnosis was performed very often, the doctor may prohibit the procedure from being performed.

In order not to worry about your health, you need to know that the maximum permissible radiation dose to a patient is approximately 150 m3v. And one procedure accounts for approximately 0.12-0.18 m3v. Therefore, even repeated procedures do not pose a great risk to health.

Advantages and disadvantages of x-ray of the paranasal sinuses

An important advantage of x-rays of the nasal sinuses is its efficiency, because it does not take much time to take the image. This diagnostic method is publicly available and inexpensive. It can be used to identify many diseases and pathological conditions.

Despite the simplicity and accessibility of the procedure, it has its drawbacks. Since radiography of the sinuses has contraindications, the use of this diagnostic method is not always permitted. Using a regular photograph of the sinuses, it is impossible to detect the spread of the inflammatory process towards the skull. Also, an X-ray image cannot determine the degree of development of the disease, so a computed tomography may be required to make a more accurate diagnosis.