MRI of the sinuses of the nose: where to do what shows? Tomography of the sinuses of the nose

The upper respiratory tract is often exposed to inflammation in both children and adults. This is due to the location of the respiratory system. After all, they almost directly collide with the external environment (nasal passages, oral cavity). Because of inflammation, bacteria often enter bronchi and lungs. As a result, complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia develop. Also, the inflammation of the sinuses often goes to the middle ear. The most dangerous complication is the breakthrough of the foci of infection and the entry of bacteria into the brain or bloodstream. Inflammation of the nasal sinuses is called sinusitis. This pathology is treated by an otolaryngologist. If you suspect a sinusitis examination is necessary - a x-ray of the nose. If the images can not provide complete information about the spread of the inflammatory process, more detailed diagnosis is required.

What is an MRI of the sinuses of the nose?

As is known, sinusitis is divided into several varieties. The most common is inflammation of the maxillary sinus. It can be either single-sided or double-sided. Less often the inflammation develops in the frontal (frontal), wedge-shaped (sphenoiditis) and latticed sinuses (etmoiditis). It is also possible to immediately infect all of the listed anatomical formations. Combined inflammation of the sinuses of the nose is called pansinusitis. It is not always possible to differentiate the changes on the radiograph. In these cases, doctors recommend performing an MRI of the sinuses of the nose. This method of instrumental examination allows a good examination of all the skull tissues. MRI is a diagnostic procedure that allows you to visually visualize the organs and systems of a certain anatomical area. To date, this method is considered one of the most informative ways to identify pathologies. Computer and magnetic resonance imaging of the sinuses of the nose allows you to see changes that can not be considered by any other apparatus for diagnosis. These methods are widely used in all countries.

The mechanism of action of the magnetic resonance imager

MRI of the paranasal sinuses is performed with the help of a special device - a magnetic resonance tomograph. It has a large size, since it is necessary to completely place the patient there. The examinee is in a lying position on the couch, and the apparatus is a chamber of a cylindrical shape. Inside it, a magnetic field is generated. As you know, every cell of the human body has a charge. Therefore, when electromagnetic waves enter the zone, the tissues begin to react. The cells begin to "vibrate" as a result of the potential difference. As a result, resonance occurs. These changes are captured by special sensors and displayed on the monitor. Thanks to this reaction of the body cells to the created conditions, a three-dimensional image of the tissues is formed. The end result is a series of images showing the nasal sinuses in different sections (layerwise). This method of diagnosis is informative in the examination of soft tissues of the body. Given that the nasal cavity is lined with a mucosa, and around there are many vessels and cartilages, doctors recommend performing MRI, rather than computed tomography (preferred for visualization of bones).

Indication for the study

Most MRT sinus nasal appoint with a small informativity of radiography. Especially if there are suspicions of neoplasms in the cranial cavity. Also, this method of research is performed in inflammatory processes in the wedge and latticed sinuses of the nose, since they can not be considered in radiography. The following indications for MRI are selected:

1. Suspicion of a neoplasm. It is meant not only in the cavity of the sinus, but also in nearby organs and tissues.
2. Difficulty of nasal breathing in the absence of radiological changes.
3. Injury of the nose or facial skull.
4. Anomalies of the structure of sinuses.
5. Cyst in the nasopharyngeal cavity.
6. Unmotivated headaches that do not last for a long time.
7. Suspicion of the pansinusitis or inflammation of the superior sinuses, the presence of blood in their cavity.

It is worth remembering that MRI is considered a very informative method. Therefore, if possible, perform this survey should be given to him a preference in comparison with other methods of visualization of the sinuses of the nose.

In what cases is MRI contraindicated?

Despite the fact that the tomography of the sinuses of the nose is quite informative, in some cases this type of diagnosis is contraindicated. This is due to the fact that MRI refers to methods that are accompanied by radiation on the body. Contraindications to CT:

1. Pregnancy. Regardless of the gestation period, this method of examination is not recommended for women who wear a baby. It is worth remembering that electromagnetic radiation can lead to the development of pathologies in the fetus.
2. Lactation period. Despite the fact that the woman has already given birth to a baby, she should refrain from such a survey as long as she feeds the baby. If the situation is urgent, MRI is performed even during lactation. It is necessary to express the milk several times after the test.
3. The presence of an insulin pump, which can be found in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
4. The presence in the human body of various prostheses (metal objects, pacemaker, hearing aid).

Relative contraindication is mental and nervous diseases. In these cases, tomography is not recommended for patients suffering from claustrophobia and who do not have the ability to control their movements.

MRI Technique

Before the MRI of the sinuses of the nose, no special preparation is required. In rare cases, the patient is recommended to take sedative pills that help to relax. Most often this is necessary for people who are afraid of being in a closed space (claustrophobia). The patient is placed on the couch, limbs are fixed with special straps. Such measures should be taken, since during the procedure you can not move. Excessive physical activity will lead to incorrect results of MRI. During this test, you can not talk and turn your head. The procedure lasts about 10 minutes. During scanning, the unit produces characteristic sounds resembling crackling. This forms the image of the sinuses in various projections. It is transmitted to the computer that is in the next room. This process is supervised by a medical professional.

In what cases are the sinus MRI performed with contrast?

In some cases, conventional tomography is not enough for diagnosis. Then apply MRI with contrast. The most common indication for such a survey is the suspicion of oncological processes in the nasal sinuses or next to them. Gadolinium is used as a contrast agent. It is injected into the vascular system. Contrast stains the arteries or veins of the study area, thereby improving visualization.

results

Only in cases of necessity it is necessary to appoint MRI of the sinuses of the nose. What does this examination show? The decoding of the pictures is taken by a radiologist or an otolaryngologist. According to MRI data, it is possible to see a disruption of the tissue structure, a shadow from pathological formation, etc. Thanks to this method, the following pathologies are diagnosed:

1. Inflammation of nasal sinuses or adjacent tissues.
2. Disturbance of bone structure, developmental abnormalities.
3. Inflammation of the osseous system - osteomyelitis.
4. Neoplasms of the nasal sinuses and facial skull.
5. Injuries.

Advantages of magnetic resonance imaging of nasal sinuses

With the appointment of a tomography, many patients ask the question: why can not we do an x-ray of the nose instead? After all, MRI is considered an expensive procedure, which not everyone can afford. Indeed, X-ray also allows you to visualize the sinuses of the nose. Nevertheless, magnetic resonance imaging has several advantages. Among them: the ability to visualize all nasal sinuses, layer-by-layer scanning of tissues of all nearby structures of this area. Also, the advantage of this method is the lack of the need for repeated irradiation of the body.

MRI of the sinuses of the nose: the procedure price

Magnetic resonance imaging is a method of examination, through which it is possible to scan any area of the body. For example, the abdominal or thoracic cavity, the brain. Recently, with suspicions of serious pathology of ENT organs, it is recommended to perform MRI of the sinuses of the nose. The price of this procedure depends on the region and the clinic in which tomography is performed. On average, the cost of this method of examination is from 2 to 6 thousand rubles.