Abstract
Abnormal opacification of paranasal sinuses on brain MRI was studied in 178 consecutive adult patients who underwent two examinations separated by at least 4 months because of suspected neurological disease. Sinus abnormality was present in 79 (44%) patients; in 60% the abnormality involved two or more sinuses and it was bilateral in 51%. The most frequently abnormal sinus was the maxillary (46%), followed by the ethmoid (32%), sphenoid (16%), and frontal sinuses (6%). Interval occurrence or complete resolution of abnormalities was observed in 52% of patients (66% of the sinuses). In the remaining 48% of patients the abnormalities were present on two or more examinations, unchanged or of increased or decreased severity. The most frequent interval changing abnormalities were complete sinus opacification and fluid levels, followed by irregular mucoperiosteal thickening more than 4 mm thick. No polypoid abnormalities (polyps or mucosal cysts) decreased over time.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Diament MJ, Senac MO Jr, Gilsanz V, Baker S, Gillespie T, Larsson S (1987) Prevalence of incidental paranasal sinuses opacification in pediatric patients: a CT study. J Comput Assist Tomogr 11: 426–431
Havas TE, Motbey JA, Gullane PJ (1988) Prevalence of incidental abnormalities on computed tomographic scans of the paranasal sinuses. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 114: 856–859
Calhoun KH, Waggenspack GA, Simpson CB, Hokanson JA, Bailey BJ (1991) CT evaluation of the paranasal sinuses in symptomatic and asymptomatic populations. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 104: 480–483
Conner BL, Roach ES, Laster W, Georgitis JW (1989) Magnetic resonance imaging of the paransal sinuses: frequency and type of abnormalities. Ann Allergy 62: 457–460
Rak KM, Newell JD II, Yakes WF, Damiano MA, Luethke JM (1990) Paranasal sinuses on MR images of the brain: significance of mucosal thickening. AJNR 11: 1211–1214
Lang S, Brainin M, Neuhold A, Wicke L (1990) Multiple sclerosis (MS) associated with sinusitis: a case controlled MRI study. Book of abstracts, XIV Symposium Neuroradiologicum, London. Springer, London, p 62
Fascenelli FW (1969) Maxillary sinus abnormalities. Radiographic evidence in an asymptomatic population. Arch Otolaryngol 90: 190–193
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
The study was carried out at the Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Maly, P.V., Sundgren, P.C. Changes in paranasal sinus abnormalities found incidentally on MRI. Neuroradiology 37, 471–474 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00600097
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00600097