A snapshot of the paranasal sinuses. X-ray of the sinuses: indications, contraindications, interpretation of the results

  • Date: 21.10.2019

X-rays of the sinuses are performed to determine the condition of the paranasal regions and bony walls. The method is based on transillumination of the nasal cavity with gamma rays of short length, thanks to which the doctor gets a picture of the pathologies of the investigated area.

X-rays of the paranasal sinuses are a radiation imaging technique that has been in use since 1895. It is based on the ability bone tissue and fluids to trap γ-rays. The results of an otolaryngological examination are saved on the 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 to identify acute or chronic diseases. And also confirm availability foreign object in children.

Indications for diagnostics

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

  • head trauma;
  • headache in the forehead, eyes, bridge of the nose;
  • headache when the head bends forward, which can radiate to the upper jaw;
  • nosebleeds;
  • Frequent or severe nasal congestion
  • discomfort in the nose after ARVI;
  • a combination of symptoms such as rhinorrhea, lacrimation, fear of light;
  • long-term non-decreasing temperature is higher than 37.2;
  • suspected inflammation cavity formation or swelling;
  • hypertrophy of the adenoids in children.

Diagnostics of the paranasal sinuses of the face is carried out before surgical intervention and to monitor the treatment of pathologies in dynamics. In the first case, a contrast research method is used.

What the study shows

Radiography of PNP helps to determine:

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

The video explains how and what a paranasal sinus x-ray helps to identify. Photographed by the Moscow Doctor channel.

Is a sinus x-ray harmful and how often can it be done?

In case of SNP inflammation, pictures are taken several times during one course of treatment. To observe cysts and benign formations in dynamics, X-rays must be taken once a year. Radiography performed twice within 12 months is considered optimal. In any case, the procedure should be carried out as many times as the attending physician prescribes.

It is not harmful due to the low dose of radiation, equal to 0.02 for a digital radiograph and 0.04 millisievert for a film one. The acceptable annual human dose 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 carried out if it is impossible to do an ultrasound scan or the woman's health justifies possible risk for the fetus.

Are X-rays prescribed for children?

It is not advisable to send children to X-rays due to the negative effect of radiation on skeletal system... However, in the absence of an alternative, if the doctor deems it necessary, one should not refuse. Some experienced ENT doctors and radiologists believe that diagnostic method suitable for children from 5 years old.

X-ray preparation

Preparation for the procedure comes down to two rules:

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

There are no restrictions on food or liquid intake.

It should be clarified when and how to take x-rays while observing the disease in dynamics. For example, if a patient is performing a cuckoo lavage, an x-ray is taken before the sinuses are cleared of fluid.

How is the procedure and how long does it take?

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 necessary for taking a picture. This can be a straight or lateral plane, a projection of the chin, the occipital-frontal part or the occipital-chin. 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 about the completion of the procedure.
  5. The picture appears within 15-20 minutes.

- described in the video from the Zhit Zdorovo channel.

Interpretation of results

The decoding of the results of an X-ray examination may be as follows:

  • norm (taking into account the patient's age);
  • the presence of darkening in the paranasal sinuses;
  • thickening;
  • visible trauma or the presence of a foreign body.

Norm

X-ray of the sinuses healthy person looks like that:

  1. The nasal septum divides the nasal cavity into symmetrical triangle sides.
  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 a lattice sinus with thin walls, the cells of which should be clearly visible.
  5. Above the orbits, the frontal sinuses are determined, which may have different shape... Their separation by bone septa is allowed.
  6. There should be air in the sinuses. Their edges, like the contours of the bones, should be clear and even.

Photo of a healthy person

Blackouts, cavities and thickenings in the picture

You can talk about the diagnosis of pathology if the pictures show the following:

  • darkening of the site;
  • thickening;
  • the presence of a cavity of various shapes;
  • deformation of bone tissue.

For acute inflammation thickening of the mucous membrane and deformation of its borders (with purulent contents) are characteristic. The presence and level of fluid is established by the horizontal demarcation in the sinuses. The X-ray will not tell you about the composition of the contents, for this you need to do a puncture (puncture). If the inflammation is chronic, the mucous membrane thickens, and the lumen in the sinus becomes smaller.

Sinusitis

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

The pictures should be decrypted as follows:

  1. With hyperplastic sinusitis, there is a thickening of the mucous membrane directly near the bone. In this case, the inner contour becomes wavy, vague.
  2. With catarrhal sinusitis, there is a thickening of the walls of the mucous membrane with complete or partial darkening. The presence of a light cavity in the center of the sinus indicates the chronization of the process.
  3. With exudative sinusitis, the darkening of the paranasal sinuses occurs with a horizontal demarcation indicating the level of fluid filling.
  4. With vasomotor and allergic sinusitis, there is a pronounced swelling of the mucous membrane.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the membranes maxillary sinuses.

Sinusitis of the following types is 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. At the same time, the edges of the mucosa are deformed and directed towards the inside of the sinus.
  3. Polypous. There is a bulging of the mucous membrane, which can be both single and multiple.

Neoplasms and cysts in the sinuses

If images of the paranasal sinuses determine a cavity with dense contents, this indicates the presence of a benign or malignant formation. In most cases, neoplasms are found by chance when diagnosing other pathologies.

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

Bone injury

If the bone is broken or dislocated, it will be visible on the x-ray. Bone injuries may appear on the images as dense fragments in the sinuses. The image helps to establish the site of the fracture and the displacement of bone fragments, if present. Severe fractures are accompanied by bleeding, which will show up as fluid in the sinuses. The doctor may also find an old lesion, which is fixed on the image in the form of a callus.

The sinuses are prescribed by doctors if they suspect that the patient has sinusitis ( inflammatory process in the maxillary sinuses). The examination helps to determine the disease on initial stage its development and start effective treatment, which will help stop the development of the lesion and prevent the occurrence of complications. It is important to determine where a sinus image can be taken.

Description of the procedure

The procedure is carried out in several projections:

  • chin;
  • axial;
  • nasal chin.

A snapshot of healthy sinuses is taken in the naso-chin projection; during the procedure, the patient rests against the rack of the X-ray device with his chin and nose. X-ray helps to accurately determine the condition of the maxillary sinuses and identify all the violations that occur in them.

Basic indications

A snapshot of the sinuses - effective method diagnostics, with the help of which you can get all the necessary information about the state of the examined organ and periosteal bones. Such a procedure is prescribed to patients in the following cases:

  • with regular nosebleeds, which occur for an unknown reason;
  • open or closed damage bones or cranial face;
  • with a high risk of sinusitis (while in humans, following symptoms: strong pain in the head, rhinitis, elevated temperature body, difficulties with respiratory system);
  • another indication for diagnostics is the suspicion of the presence of polyps, cysts, tumor formations, adenoids and other extraneous formations in the nasal cavity;
  • to assess the effectiveness of the treatment;
  • to prepare for surgery.

Common contraindications for x-rays

Some people cannot take a picture of the paranasal sinuses due to certain contraindications to the procedure. It is prohibited for pregnant women and children under seven years of age. The procedure does not provoke development pain syndrome and different small dose radiation entering the human body. For pregnant women, such an examination is contraindicated, since at this time the fetus has a greatly increased sensitivity to spring negative factors... In some cases, radiography during pregnancy becomes the reason for the appearance of anomalies in the structure of the body in the newborn.

For children younger age X-rays are rarely prescribed at seven years of age, since gamma rays can adversely affect the growth and development of a child's bones. In extreme cases, specialists resort to examining the child's sinuses using this method(if the examination is more useful than the possible harm received after it).

X-ray sinusitis

In the picture of the sinuses with sinusitis, the doctor can detect strongly darkened areas of the upper horizontal level in the lower and middle degree - this will be a sign of the patient's illness. In the presence of allergic diseases the picture shows cushion-like protrusions of the mucous membrane. They can look like X-ray syndromes (additional formations of moderate or increased intensity).

Complete darkening of the maxillary sinuses appears when a large amount of pathological fluid accumulates under the influence of pneumococcus and streptococcus.

X-ray of the chin projection is performed as follows: a person stands upright and rests his chin against a special stand. This position helps to clearly visualize the lower maxillary sinuses, and darken the upper ones a little.

Visualization in a snapshot

The description of the picture of the sinuses is carried out by the attending specialist. Such a projection well visualizes the ethmoid labyrinths next to the nose, which are contaminated during the inflammatory process in the aquatic or maxillary sinuses:

  • pyramids of the temporal bones;
  • maxillary sinuses over the entire surface.

Compared to the naso-chin projection, a chin-lay image can provide a clear image of the lower half of the two sinuses, which are overlapped by the pyramids of the temporal bones.

The most difficult to visualize is the lattice maze. To consider such a pathology, an anterior image is taken.

What can be seen in the resulting picture?

With sinusitis, it helps to consider the following structures:

  • nasal cavity;
  • gaps in air cavities;
  • orbit of the eye;
  • blackout area;
  • frontal bone;
  • lattice labyrinth.

A CT scan of the sinuses helps to pinpoint any irregularities in the nasal cavities. The accumulation of large amounts of fluid can be clearly seen on the x-ray. When considering the structure, special attention should be paid not so much to the severity of the lesion, but to the clarity of the contours of each cell.

In an adult, the cells of the trellis labyrinth differ in the following features:

  • small size;
  • pronounced boundaries;
  • average wall thickness;
  • violation in the structure of the intercostal septa;
  • there is no definite structure of the maze.

An x-ray helps to clearly visualize all the marked structures. They are described by a radiologist.

Features of x-ray of the nose

During the procedure, the doctor receives an accurate picture of the nasal cavity with areas of darkening. Seeing a shadow in the projection of the accessory structures, the specialist concludes that the patient has sinusitis. In the presence of a cavity with fluid inside, it is possible to assume the presence of a maxillary cyst.

X-ray examination is prescribed to diagnose swelling and purulent formations in the paranasal sinuses. If, after the procedure, the doctor finds pus in them, then he will prescribe complex treatment antibacterial drugs... Throughout the course of taking funds, additional radiography is performed, which helps to determine the effect of the therapy.

In the picture during sinusitis, you can notice a darkening in the upper horizontal level. At the initial stage of the development of the disease, an accumulation of a small amount of infiltrative fluid can be detected on an x-ray.

Determination of the state of the maxillary sinuses

To understand if there is fluid in the maxillary sinuses in a person, one should remember how water behaves in a glass. It always maintains the horizontal level of the inclination of the liquid even when the position of the object changes.

X-ray of the nose and also shows whether a puncture is necessary to eliminate accumulated pus, which cannot be removed by simple intake of medications.

It is possible to clearly determine the area of ​​accumulation of purulent formations by a snapshot of the nasal cavity and paranasal formations, carried out in the negative. An X-ray image will help the doctor make a clear diagnosis and make a more rational treatment for a particular case. In the picture of the sinuses of a healthy person, there are no dark spots and additional formations.

Tumor formations and x-rays

A snapshot of the paranasal sinuses helps to determine the presence of solid structures in the organ: sarcomas, chondromas or osteomas. Such neoplasms are most often detected by chance when examining a picture. When analyzing the resulting image, the specialist pays special attention not only to the location of the eclipse and its size, but also to the "plus-shadows".

In the classic image, you can see a clear level of accumulated fluid, which helps to make an accurate diagnosis of the disease. In some cases, clear shadows are visible, which are located mainly at the edges.

If there are pronounced thickenings in the nasal mucosa, then this may indicate the presence of the following diseases in humans:

  • catarrhal inflammation;
  • allergy;
  • chronic diseases;
  • swelling after sinusitis.

X-ray accessory cavities the nose does not have a strong radiation load on the human body. She is considered the only correct way early diagnosis inflammatory processes in the paranasal sinuses.

Procedure frequency

Many patients wonder how often it is allowed to take x-rays of the paranasal sinuses. After any study in which gamma rays are used, information about the date of the examination is entered into the patient's outpatient card. radiation procedure.

If the doctor discovers that such studies are carried out too often, then he will prohibit a second procedure. There is one distinctive feature: X-rays of the nose differ in a very low dosage of radiation, therefore such an event can be carried out as many times as is required for an accurate diagnosis.

Deciphering the examination results

On the images obtained after the diagnosis, the specialist can identify inflammatory processes, tumor formations, foreign bodies, cysts, curvature of the nasal septum, abnormalities in the anatomy of the location of the facial bones. Also, such a procedure is often used by doctors to determine a patient's sinusitis - an inflammatory process that spreads to the lining of the paranasal sinuses.

After defining education in upper jaw the specialist diagnoses the patient with sinusitis, in some cases - ethmoiditis, frontal sinusitis or sphenoiditis. If a specialist is able to diagnose the disease on time, then there is a high chance of a favorable outcome and prevention of complications (for example, inflammation of the lining of the brain). All formations of a pathological nature, which are indicated in the picture, are added by specialists to a special medical report, with which, after the patient, is sent to an appointment with the appropriate doctor.

Digital X-ray is considered to be more informative and progressive. The picture of the sinuses is projected onto the computer, which helps to carry out a more detailed diagnosis of the organ. In addition, with this procedure, the specialist will be able to save the results obtained in digital format and transfer them, if necessary, via the Internet.

The main disadvantage of this type of examination is the high cost. No need to be afraid radiation therapy and try to avoid X-ray examination... The snapshot will help the doctor choose an effective treatment for the identified disease.

Where is the procedure

Where to take a picture of the sinuses? Examination of the nose and its separate parts can be carried out in a public or private paid medical center in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities of the country. Also, a certain price has been set for such a procedure, which will depend on a particular clinic:

  • X-ray of the paranasal sinuses (in one projection_ - about 1300 rubles;
  • A snapshot of the sinuses (in several projections) - from 1,700 rubles.

It is important to perform an X-ray of the sinuses in the following cases: to determine foreign formations, tumors, cysts, bone damage, problems with the growth of teeth, deformation of the facial bones, in the absence of sinuses or their underdevelopment, as well as during an inflammatory process in the paranasal sinuses.

Where to take a picture of the sinuses? There are the following Moscow clinics where you can go through this diagnostic examination:

  • Medical and dental clinic "SHIFA";
  • Medical Center Orange Clinics;
  • "Miracle Doctor" at School 49;
  • Medical center "Doctor near" in Strogino;
  • Clinic No. 1 in Lyublino.

Carrying out in childhood

X-ray of the sinuses in children under 7 years of age is carried out only if there is special indications, since in some cases such a procedure leads to slow bone growth and problems with osteogenesis.

Only a doctor can prescribe such a procedure. It should be noted that suspicion of adenoiditis or sinusitis is not included in the list of indications for such a procedure at a young age.

For children older than age For 7 years, the procedure has been carried out without any special fears. But if it is possible to replace it with ultrasound diagnostics or magnetic resonance imaging, then the last two procedures are chosen.

If, due to his age or due to the presence of any diseases, the child cannot fix his head in one position on his own, then he is helped by a parent, who is previously given a special apron with inserts made of lead.

In 1922, the Russian rhino-laryngo-otiatrist M.F. Tsytovich,
interested in the developments of American scientists on the study of diseases of the paranasal sinuses using radiography, he conducted a number of his own research.

Start given X-ray of the paranasal sinuses famous scientists of our country, turned out to be very successful: today this technique, which is effectively used to obtain information about the pathologies of the paranasal cavities, is widespread everywhere.

Diagnosis by x-ray of the nose

X-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses is carried out to diagnose inflammatory processes at the initial stage (in most cases, these are frontal sinusitis and sinusitis)

X-ray of the nose allows you to detect the occurrence of neoplasms (tumors, nasal polyps are visible on X-ray, etc.) in this facial area, to see injuries, foreign bodies and various injuries, to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

Photo gallery:

The indications for a patient to undergo an x-ray of the nasal sinuses are:

  • discharge from the nose after a cold, persisting for a long time;
  • nosebleeds of unknown etiology;
  • a sharp rise in temperature for no apparent reason;
  • hyperemia (redness) and swelling skin over the paranasal sinuses;
  • pain in the forehead that increases when bending forward.

In all of the above cases, an otolaryngologist (ENT) prescribes a referral for X-ray of the paranasal sinuses.

Where can a sinus x-ray be taken?

You can take an x-ray of the nose (free of charge if you have a compulsory medical insurance policy) in any medical institution that has an x-ray diagnostic room. If possible, from the available list of hospitals it is better to choose a clinic equipped with modern devices with extremely low radiation doses.

Quickly, easily, painlessly take a nose x-ray!

It is not necessary to specially prepare for the X-ray of the paranasal sinuses.

The only caveat is that it is necessary to remove all metal products that are in the area of ​​interest (including piercings).

X-ray room

X-ray of the paranasal sinuses carried out on an outpatient basis, in a special room. If the diagnosis takes place during a cold period, the patient will be asked to leave the outer clothing in the designated area.

The position that the doctor asks to take depends on the projection in which the otolaryngologist will need the future image (there are three positions in total - axial, chin and naso-chin). The X-ray technician will help you stand up correctly so that the images are of the highest quality.

Radiography most often takes place as follows: the patient stands at the vertigraph, while the nose is at a distance of about 2 centimeters from the stand, and the chin touches it (naso-chin position). The mouth will be asked to open, hold your breath for a few seconds, necessary for the doctor to take a picture.

Photo gallery:

If it is difficult for the patient to stand, then someone from the family can support him. In this case, the assistant is dressed in a special apron, the structure of which (for protection) includes lead impregnation (or plates).

Radiation dose for sinus x-rays.

From 0.12 to 1.18 mSv radiation dose for x-ray of the nose

During the X-ray examination of the sinuses, the examinee receives a dose of X-rays from 0.12 to 1.18 mSv (millisievert) - it all depends on the equipment used.

Is a sinus x-ray harmful?

It should be noted that the maximum allowable radiation measure is 150 mSv per year, and the likelihood of developing oncological diseases tends to zero even when several X-rays of the paranasal sinuses are taken over a period of 12 months.

  • After studies related to the use of X-ray machines, in the patient's card in mandatory the received radiation load is affixed (for quick summation, if necessary).
  • It is advisable not to carry out X-ray of PNP during pregnancy (possibly Negative influence per fruit).
  • For children preschool age X-rays of the sinuses are prescribed in isolated cases (gamma rays can affect the growth of the bones of the skeleton).

The following can help the body recover after irradiation:

  • antioxidants;
  • vitamins A, C, E;
  • use fermented milk products(yogurt, kefir, milk);
  • introduction of unpolished rice and prunes into the diet.

Photo gallery:

Decoding X-ray images of the paranasal sinuses

The picture is developed and dried, and the doctor works on its study and description. X-ray results are given in about 30 minutes.

Normally healthy nasal cavity has clear contours on the x-ray. X-rays show a small size and average wall thickness of the ethmoid labyrinth of the paranasal sinuses. They themselves look like dark, semi-oval formations on both sides of the nose, and their airiness coincides with the airiness in the orbital region (that is, the identity of the shades of the eye sockets and sinus is traced).

Normally, the X-ray sinuses are clean, the contours are even, there is no light content

X-ray of the paranasal sinuses

X-ray of the paranasal sinuses greatly facilitates the process of making the final diagnosis and prescribing treatment. The snapshot helps to specifically identify the areas affected by the inflammation process.

Photo gallery:

With sinusitis, the naso-chin projection of the X-ray image will show a darkening with an upper horizontal level (the accumulated fluid is visualized against a dark background as a light shade outline).

  • If the disease is in advanced stage, then the shading will be located above nose, since the progressive inflammation passes into the frontal areas.
  • If dark areas are found in several areas at once, then the patient has not only sinusitis, but also frontal sinusitis.
  • An uneven, wavy inner contour of the mucous membrane near the bones indicates hyperplastic sinusitis.

By conducting an X-ray with contrast, the presence of a tumor, polyp or cyst in the sinuses is determined. Nose masses appear in the photograph as a darkening of the rounded contour in the upper part of the sinus.

  • It is important to know that a cyst detected using PNP X-ray will require surgery.
  • Nasal polyps are visible on x-rays. Polyposis is characterized by the presence of rounded shadows located on thin "legs". A large number of shadows - multiple polyposis.

Allergic diseases are noted on the images with additional formations of varying intensity (from high to medium) - "plus-shadow" syndrome. The protrusion of the mucous membrane of the pillow-like shape is visually observed. In addition, swelling after sinusitis, catarrhal inflammation, and chronic reactions are characterized by thickening of the mucous membrane.

A sinus x-ray can also help determine the location of the fracture or the presence of a foreign body.

X-ray video for sinusitis

X-ray of the sinuses is an informative diagnostic technique that allows you to identify various diseases sinuses. With its help, the presence of tumors, polyps, foreign bodies in the nasal cavity is determined, and the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy is monitored.

X-ray examination is prescribed to patients at the first suspicion of the development of an inflammatory process. Diagnostics is mandatory after fractures of the bones of the face, head injuries, and in children with the aim of detecting foreign objects... X-rays are performed for adults if there are complaints about:

  • discomfort in the nose after a viral infection;
  • frequent headaches that worsen when bending over;
  • congestion, breathing disorders;
  • bleeding;
  • lacrimation and photophobia;
  • an increase in body temperature for no apparent reason.

These symptoms are often associated with sinus inflammation, which is accompanied by pathological accumulation of exudate. On the images obtained, the places of accumulation of pus are clearly visible, which makes it possible to establish the degree of development of the disease.


Also, doctors use X-ray examination as monitoring. For many pathologies, repeated images of the paranasal sinuses are required to assess the results of therapy. With insufficient information content of such a diagnosis, the appointment of computed tomography is possible.

Contraindications and side effects of the procedure

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

Children of preschool age are assigned an X-ray of the paranasal sinuses only for vital important indications... The need for the procedure is determined only by a doctor. It is believed that radiation can affect the development of bone tissue and growth of the baby. In this case, you should assess the possible risks when performing a nasal x-ray to a child.

What can be seen in X-ray pictures?

What can a sinus x-ray show? With diseases of the paranasal cavities on X-ray images, the doctor can determine:

  1. Signs of an inflammatory process. The mucous membrane of the sinuses becomes denser, the level of accumulated exudate is clearly visible.
  2. Signs chronic illness... The pictures show a significant thickening of the mucous membrane, 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 cystic formation... Outside the border of the nasal sinus, a round enlightenment is determined.
  5. Signs of a tumor-like formation. The images show a tumor in the sinus cavity, which has an increased density.

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

How is the procedure carried out?

If the patient has received a referral for the study of the sinuses, then he should know how to do an x-ray. No special preparation for x-ray examination of the sinuses is required. Restrictions on admission medicines absent, no special diet needed. The only thing - before the procedure, the doctor will ask you to remove all metal objects: removable dentures, glasses, all kinds of jewelry. Excessive things can "obscure" the necessary places in the picture, which will interfere with the correct diagnosis.

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

  • chin-cranial;
  • posterior-anterior projection;
  • lateral;
  • Waters position.

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


The examination of the sinuses takes no more than 5-10 minutes. Sometimes it is necessary to wait for the radiologist to verify the quality of the images obtained. Further, the results of the study are sent to the description, after which the conclusion is given to the patient in his hands.

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

After each X-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses, a record of the value of radiation exposure is made in the patient's card. If the doctor sees that the diagnosis was performed very often, the doctor may prohibit the procedure.

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

Advantages and Disadvantages of Paranasal Sinus X-rays

An important advantage of the X-ray of the nasal sinuses is its efficiency, because it does not take much time to take a picture. This diagnostic method is widely available and inexpensive. With its help, it is possible to identify many diseases and pathological conditions.

Despite the simplicity and availability of the procedure, it has its drawbacks. Since the X-ray of the sinuses has contraindications, the use of this diagnostic method is not always allowed. With the help of a conventional scan of the sinuses, it is impossible to detect the spread of the inflammatory process towards the cranium. Also, it is impossible to determine the degree of development of the disease from an X-ray image, therefore, computed tomography may be required to make a more accurate diagnosis.

Content

To diagnose inflammatory processes, in most cases, radiography of the paranasal sinuses is used. She is appointed for the purpose of identifying different pathologies and inflammatory diseases occurring in this facial area. Learn about the specifics of this procedure and the problems it detects.

What is X-ray of the paranasal sinuses

To detect the inflammatory process, radiography is often prescribed. Discover a variety of dangerous diseases at the initial stage of development, x-rays of the sinuses of the nose will help. This procedure is very simple, painless and does not take much time. Often, this technique allows you to detect edema and fluid in the paranasal sinuses, the presence of neoplasms (cyst, tumor) in them, defects in the structure of the facial skeleton, damage, trauma of various kinds.

Indications for the purpose of the study

X-ray of the nose is an effective digital technique through which you can quickly obtain the necessary information about the pathology of the olfactory organ or paranasal cavities. Radiography is performed with the following indications:

  1. Regular nosebleeds that appear for no apparent reason.
  2. Closed or open injury to the nasal bones or facial skull.
  3. The likelihood of sinusitis (with symptoms: rhinitis, headaches, heat, labored breathing).
  4. Another prerequisite for an X-ray of the sinuses is a suspicion of the presence of polyps, adenoids, cysts, tumors, and foreign objects.
  5. Assessment of the progress of the treatment process.
  6. Preparatory measures for surgical intervention.

Contraindications to the procedure

X-ray of the paranasal sinuses has several contraindications. It should not be done to pregnant women and children under the age of seven. The procedure is harmless and differs in small indicators of radiation, but it is contraindicated for expectant mothers due to the strong sensitivity of the fetus to such a study. X-rays during pregnancy can cause birth defects in the baby.

X-rays of the nasal sinuses may rarely be prescribed for preschoolers, because gamma rays can negatively affect the growth of a child's bones. In isolated cases, the doctor issues a referral for X-rays to children under 7 years of age and pregnant women (if the study becomes an alternative to the probable harm that the diagnosed disease can cause).

How often can sinus x-rays be taken?

Many are interested in how often it is allowed to take x-rays of the paranasal sinuses. After any examination performed using gamma rays, the patient's outpatient card is supplemented with a record of the value of radiation exposure. If it turns out that these examinations were carried out too often, then the doctor may prohibit a second procedure. There is a caveat: a nasal x-ray has a very low dose of radiation, so this activity is performed as many times as necessary to make a diagnosis.

How is the diagnosis carried out?

X-rays of the maxillary sinuses are performed quickly and easily without any special preparation. Diagnostics is carried out in outpatient... The patient must take off all metal products. The person enters a special room where the research will be carried out. He needs to take a specific pose, which directly depends on the projection of the future image. As a rule, the procedure is performed in two projections: the occipital-chin and the occipital-frontal. X-rays of the nose are done while standing, while holding the breath. The picture is developed, dried and studied.

Decoding indications

In the pictures that were taken after diagnostic intervention, the doctor can detect all sorts of inflammation, tumors, foreign bodies in the sinuses, cysts, curvature of the nasal septum, developmental defects and the location of injured facial bones. X-rays can also be used by doctors to diagnose sinusitis, an inflammatory process that affects the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses.

When the pathology is detected in the sinus of the upper jaw, then they diagnose sinusitis, other areas - ethmoiditis, frontal sinusitis, sphenoiditis. If pathology is detected in time, then there is a chance to avoid the development of serious complications (up to inflammation meninges). All the modifications that the radiograph shows, the doctor makes in the medical report, with which the patient is referred to the necessary specialist.

Where and how much does an x-ray of the nasal sinuses cost?

Examination of the nose and its parts can be done in a public or private paid medical office Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities of the country. Below is the approximate price of an X-ray examination, which depends on the specific clinic:

  1. X-ray of the paranasal sinuses (one projection) - from 1300 rubles.
  2. X-ray of the sinuses (2 projections) - from 1700 rubles.