When you see one of our specialists, they may use imaging to assist their evaluation. Even though the initial assessment of sinusitis is primarily based on clinical findings, imaging becomes essential for evaluating chronic cases, planning surgical interventions, and detecting complications.
Imaging Evaluation Tests
Sinus imaging involves using special equipment to create pictures of the sinuses, the air-filled spaces in your face that can get blocked or inflamed, leading to infections. The most common types of sinus imaging are CT scans (computed tomography) and MRI scans (magnetic resonance imaging).
Computed Tomography
CT of the sinuses has become the gold standard for sinus imaging in complicated sinus disease because it improves visualization of sinus anatomy. CTs can be performed with an image guidance protocol that many surgeons use with specialized navigation equipment and surgical instruments to provide real-time anatomic accuracy during a procedure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI scans are used less frequently for sinuses but are extremely helpful in showing problems in the soft tissues around the sinuses. These scans are especially useful if your doctor suspects that a sinus infection has spread beyond the sinuses.
An ENT doctor spends 4 years at college, 4 years at medical school, and then 5 to 7 years after that in a residency program specializing in otolaryngology — head and neck surgery. Our board-certified ENTs pass written and oral exams and participate in continuous education to maintain their certification. When you visit one of our Arizona locations, you can trust you're seeing one of the most qualified specialists in the region and that your care will be second to none.
What are the benefits of sinus imaging tests?
Our ENT specialists use imaging tests for several reasons:
Diagnosing sinusitis: Imaging can confirm sinusitis, which is an infection or inflammation of the sinuses, and determine its severity.
Identifying nasal obstructions: A CT scan or MRI can determine if nasal polyps or other growths in the lining of the nose could be causing sinus problems.
Evaluating sinus structures: Examining the structure of your sinuses, which can vary significantly from person to person, can identify any unusual formations.
Surgical planning: A detailed map of your sinuses helps our specialists create a surgical plan, ensuring the procedure is safe and effective.
What To Expect
There is typically no special preparation for sinus imaging tests other than removing any jewelry or metal objects that can interfere with the image quality. During a CT scan, patients lie on a table that slides into a large, doughnut-shaped machine. It’s a quick, painless procedure that takes only a few minutes. Some of our locations have in-office CT scanners where the patient remains sitting upright while the scanner typically takes under a minute to move around your head. MRI scans can take up to 45 minutes, and you may hear loud tapping or thumping sounds during the test.
After the imaging is complete, your doctor will review the images and discuss the results with you. Depending on the findings, they may suggest treatments such as medication, procedures to clear the blockages, or possibly surgery.
Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment. Please bring a list of medications you're currently taking and any pertinent test results—such as labs or imaging—to your appointment. Additionally, let your provider know of any drug allergies or medical conditions you have or for which you are being treated and if you've had any prior surgical procedures.
Visit Our ENT Specialists
Our team of ear, nose, and throat specialists is committed to providing thorough, personalized care to diagnose and treat your sinus condition and improve your quality of life. Sinus imaging evaluations are powerful tools that help ENT specialists provide better care by accurately diagnosing and treating sinus conditions. If you or your child needs a sinus examination, we encourage you to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan at one of our Arizona locations.