Imaging of the Paranasal Sinuses

Abstract

MRI in most instances, can better distinguish between soft tissues when compared with CT. The distinction of soft tissues becomes most clinically relevant when evaluating for possible sinonasal tumors and when inspecting for extension of tumor or inflammation into the orbit or intracranial spaces. It is in these areas that MRI has found its major application in sinus imaging. This unit presents MRI techniques for imaging the sinuses with and without contrast enhancement. The parameters given in this unit are derived from experience at 1.5 T and may need to be slightly altered depending on the field strength and the equipment manufacturer.