The upper respiratory tract is often inflamed 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). Due to inflammation, bacteria often penetrate the bronchi and lungs. As a result, complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia develop. Also, sinus inflammation often goes to the middle ear. The most dangerous complication is a breakthrough of the focus of infection and the entry of bacteria into the brain or bloodstream. Sinusitis is called sinusitis. This pathology is treated by an otolaryngologist. If sinusitis is suspected, an examination is necessary - an x-ray of the nose. If the images cannot provide complete information about the spread of the inflammatory process, a more detailed diagnosis is required.
What is an MRI of the sinuses?
As you know, sinusitis is divided into several varieties. The most common is inflammation of the maxillary sinus. It can be either single or double sided. Less commonly, inflammation develops in the frontal (frontal sinusitis), sphenoid (sphenoiditis) and ethmoid sinuses (ethmoiditis). It is also possible infection at once all of these anatomical formations. The combined inflammation of the sinuses of the nose is called pansinusitis. It is not always possible to distinguish changes in the radiograph. In these cases, doctors recommend an MRI of the sinuses. This method of instrumental examination allows you to clearly see all the tissues of the skull. MRI is a diagnostic procedure that allows you to layer by layer visualize organs and systems of a certain anatomical region. 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 cannot be considered by any other diagnostic devices. These methods are widely used in all countries.
The mechanism of action of a magnetic resonance imager
MRI of the paranasal sinuses is performed using a special apparatus - a magnetic resonance imager. It has a large size, since it is necessary to completely place the patient there. The subject is in a supine position on the couch, and the apparatus is a cylindrical chamber. Inside it, a magnetic field is generated. As you know, every cell of the human body has a charge. Therefore, when it enters the zone of electromagnetic waves, the tissues begin to react. Cells begin to “vibrate” because of the potential difference. The result is resonance. These changes are captured by special sensors and displayed on the monitor. Thanks to such a reaction of the cells of the body to the created conditions, a three-dimensional image of the tissues is formed. The end result is a series of images showing sinuses in various sections (in layers). This diagnostic method is informative when examining the soft tissues of the body. Given that the nasal sinus cavity is lined with a mucous membrane and there are many vessels and cartilage around, doctors recommend performing an MRI scan rather than computed tomography (preferred for imaging bones).
Indications for the study
Most often, MRI of the sinuses of the nose is prescribed for low informational content of radiography. Especially if there are suspicions of neoplasms in the cranial cavity. Also, this research method is performed in inflammatory processes in the sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses, since they cannot be considered during radiography. The following indications for MRI are distinguished:
- Suspicion of a neoplasm. This refers not only to the sinus cavity, but also to nearby organs and tissues.
- Difficulty in nasal breathing in the absence of radiological changes.
- Injuries to the nose or facial skull.
- Anomalies in the structure of the sinuses.
- Cyst in the nasopharynx cavity.
- Unmotivated headaches that do not go away for a long time.
- Suspicion of pansinusitis or inflammation of the upper sinuses, the presence of blood in their cavity.
It is worth remembering that MRI is considered a rather informative method. Therefore, if possible, perform this examination should give him preference in comparison with other methods of visualizing sinuses.
When is MRI contraindicated?
Despite the fact that 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 exposure to the body. Contraindications to tomography:
- Pregnancy. Regardless of the gestational age, this examination method is not recommended for women who carry a child. It is worth remembering that electromagnetic radiation can lead to the development of pathologies in the fetus.
- Lactation period. Despite the fact that the woman has already given birth to a baby, she should refrain from such an examination until she is breastfeeding. If the situation is urgent, then MRI is performed even during lactation. In this case, it is necessary to express milk several times after the study.
- The presence of an insulin pump, which may be present in patients with type 1 diabetes.
- The presence in the human body of various prostheses (metal objects, pacemaker, hearing aid).
A relative contraindication is mental and nervous illness. In these cases, tomography is not recommended for patients suffering from claustrophobia and not having the ability to control their movements.
MRI technique
Before an MRI of the sinuses of the nose, special training is not required. In rare cases, the patient is advised to take sedative pills to help relax. Most often, this is necessary for people who are afraid when in a confined space (claustrophobia). The patient is laid on the couch, limbs are fixed with special straps. Such measures should be taken, since during the procedure you can not move. Excess physical activity will lead to incorrect MRI results. During this examination, you can not talk and turn your head. The procedure lasts about 10 minutes. During scanning, the device emits characteristic sounds resembling crackling. In this case, an image of the sinuses in various projections is formed. It is transmitted to the computer, which is located in the next room. This process is monitored by a medical professional.
In what cases do MRI of the sinuses with contrasting?
In some cases, conventional tomography is not enough for diagnosis. Then MRI with contrast is applied . The most common indication for such an examination is a suspicion of oncological processes in or near the sinuses. Gadolinium is used as a contrast medium. It is introduced into the vascular system. Contrast stains arteries or veins of the study area, thereby improving visualization.
results
Only in cases of need it is necessary to appoint an MRI of the sinuses of the nose. What does this examination show? The decoding of the pictures is taken by a radiologist or otolaryngologist. According to MRI, you can see a violation of the structure of tissues, a shadow from a pathological formation, etc. Thanks to this method, the following pathologies are diagnosed:
- Inflammation of the nasal sinuses or adjacent tissues.
- Violation of the bone structure, developmental abnormalities.
- Inflammation of the skeletal system - osteomyelitis.
- Neoplasms of the nasal sinuses and facial skull.
- Injuries.
Benefits of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Sinuses
When prescribing a tomography scan, many patients ask the question: why cannot you do a nose x-ray instead? After all, MRI is considered an expensive procedure that not everyone can afford. Indeed, radiography also allows visualization of the sinuses. Nevertheless, magnetic resonance imaging has several advantages. Among them: the ability to visualize all sinuses, layer-by-layer scanning of tissues of all nearby structures in this area. Another advantage of this method is the absence of the need for repeated irradiation of the body.
MRI of the sinuses of the nose: price of the procedure
Magnetic resonance imaging is an examination method by which you can scan any area of the body. For example, the abdominal or chest cavity, the brain. Recently, with suspicions of serious pathology of the ENT organs, it is recommended to perform an MRI of the sinuses of the nose. The price of this procedure depends on the region and clinic in which the tomography is performed. On average, the cost of this examination method is from 2 to 6 thousand rubles.