Picture of the sinuses: where to take it? What does an X-ray of the sinuses show? Take an x-ray of the maxillary sinuses.

Content

To diagnose inflammatory processes, in most cases, radiography of the paranasal sinuses is used. It is prescribed to identify various pathologies and inflammatory diseases that occur in this facial area. Learn about the features of this procedure and the problems it detects.

What is radiography of the paranasal sinuses?

To detect the inflammatory process, radiography is often prescribed. X-rays of the sinuses will help detect various dangerous diseases at the initial stage of development. This procedure is very simple, painless and does not take much time. Often, this technique makes it possible to detect swelling and fluid in the paranasal sinuses, the presence of neoplasms (cysts, tumors), defects in the structure of the facial skeleton, damage, and injuries 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. X-rays are performed for 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. Possibility of sinusitis (with symptoms: rhinitis, headaches, high fever, difficulty breathing).
4. Another prerequisite for x-rays of the sinuses is the suspicion of the presence of polyps, adenoids, cysts, tumors, and foreign objects.
5. Assessing the progress of the treatment process.
6. Preparatory activities for surgery.

Contraindications to the procedure

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

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

How often can an x-ray of the sinuses be taken?

Many people 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 radiation exposure value. If it turns out that these examinations were carried out too often, the doctor may prohibit a repeat procedure. There is a caveat: X-ray of the nose has a very low radiation dose, so this activity is performed as many times as necessary to make a diagnosis.

How is diagnostics carried out?

X-rays of the maxillary sinuses are performed simply and quickly, without special preparation. Diagnosis is carried out on an outpatient basis. The patient must remove all metal products from himself. A 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 photo. As a rule, the procedure is performed in two projections: occipitomental and occipitofrontal. An X-ray of the nose is done while standing, while holding your breath. The photograph is developed, dried and studied.

Decoding the testimony

In the images obtained after the diagnostic procedure, the doctor can detect various types of inflammation, tumors, foreign bodies in the sinuses, cysts, deviated nasal septum, developmental defects and the location of injured facial bones. Radiography can also be used by doctors to diagnose sinusitis, an inflammatory process that affects the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses.

When pathology is detected in the sinus of the upper jaw, a diagnosis of sinusitis is made, other areas - ethmoiditis, frontal sinusitis, sphenoiditis. If the pathology is detected in time, then there is a chance to avoid the development of serious complications (including inflammation of the meninges). The doctor includes all the changes that the x-ray shows in the medical report, with which the patient is referred to the necessary specialist.

Where to do and how much does it cost to x-ray the sinuses?

An examination of the nose and its parts can be done in a public or private paid medical office in 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 nasal sinuses (2 projections) – from 1,700 rubles.

X-ray of the sinuses is an informative diagnostic technique that allows you to identify various diseases of the nasal sinuses. It is used to determine the presence of tumors, polyps, and foreign bodies in the nasal cavity, and also monitor the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy.

X-ray examination is prescribed to patients at the first suspicion of the development of an inflammatory process. Diagnostics are required after fractures of the facial bones, head injuries, and in children in order to detect foreign objects. For adults, radiography is performed if there are complaints about:

• discomfort in the nose after a viral infection;
• frequent headaches that get worse when bending over;
• congestion, breathing problems;
• bleeding;
• tearfulness and photophobia;
• increase in body temperature for no apparent reason.

These symptoms often accompany inflammation of the nasal sinuses, which is accompanied by a pathological accumulation of exudate. The resulting images clearly show areas of accumulation of pus, which makes it possible to determine the degree of development of the disease.


Doctors also use x-ray examination as monitoring. For many pathologies, repeated images of the paranasal sinuses are required to assess the results of therapy. If the information content of such diagnostics is insufficient, computed tomography may be prescribed.

Contraindications and side effects of the procedure

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

Preschool children are prescribed x-rays of the paranasal sinuses only for vital indications. The need for the procedure is determined only by the doctor. There is an opinion that radiation can affect the development of bone tissue and the growth of the baby. In this case, you should evaluate the possible risks when performing an X-ray of the child’s nose.

What can you see in X-ray images?

What can an x-ray of the sinuses show? In case of diseases of the paranasal cavities, the doctor can determine on X-ray images:

1. Signs of an inflammatory process. The sinus mucosa becomes denser, and the level of accumulated exudate is clearly visible.
2. Signs of a chronic disease. The photographs reveal a significant thickening of the mucosa and 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 of cystic formation. Outside the border of the nasal sinus, a rounded clearing is determined.
5. Signs of tumor formation. The images reveal a tumor in the sinus cavity that has increased density.

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

How is the procedure performed?

If the patient has received a referral for examination of the sinuses, then he should know how an x-ray is taken. No special preparation is required for x-ray examination of the nasal sinuses. There are no restrictions on taking medications, no special diet is needed. The only thing is that before the procedure, the doctor will ask you to remove all metal objects: removable dentures, glasses, all kinds of jewelry. Extra things can “obscure” the necessary places in the image, which will interfere with correct diagnosis.

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

• chinocranial;
• posteroanterior projection;
• lateral;
• Waters' position.

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


The examination of the nasal sinuses takes no more than 5-10 minutes. Sometimes you need to wait for the radiologist to verify the quality of the images obtained. Next, the results of the study are sent for description, after which the conclusion is given to the patient.

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

After each radiographic examination of the paranasal sinuses, a record of the radiation exposure value is made in the patient’s chart. If the doctor sees that the diagnosis was performed very often, then the doctor may prohibit the procedure from being performed.

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

Advantages and disadvantages of x-ray of the paranasal sinuses

An important advantage of x-rays of the nasal sinuses is its efficiency, because it does not take much time to take the image. This diagnostic method is publicly available and inexpensive. It can be used to identify many diseases and pathological conditions.

Despite the simplicity and accessibility of the procedure, it has its drawbacks. Since radiography of the sinuses has contraindications, the use of this diagnostic method is not always permitted. Using a regular photograph of the sinuses, it is impossible to detect the spread of the inflammatory process towards the skull. Also, an X-ray image cannot determine the degree of development of the disease, so a computed tomography may be required to make a more accurate diagnosis.

X-ray of the paranasal sinuses (X-ray of the paranasal sinuses) shows pneumatization of these anatomical structures. Fluid accumulations, tumors, foreign objects, and cysts are visible.

What does x-ray of the paranasal sinuses show - x-ray anatomy of the face

X-ray shows the following paranasal sinuses:

• frontal;
• maxillary;
• lattice;
• main;
• mastoid cells of the temporal bones.

X-ray of PPN with bilateral sinusitis. X-ray anatomy of the formations was noted

What do the normal sinuses look like on an x-ray?

Normally, the paranasal sinuses on an x-ray look like this:

1. The bone walls have clear contours.
2. The pneumatization (airiness) of the PPN is compared with the orbits (standard).
3. The contours of the lattice cells can be traced.

An X-ray of the sinuses (paranasal sinuses) is prescribed to determine (inflammation) in the initial stages. Deciphering it is not particularly difficult for a radiologist.

What diseases are visible on X-ray of PPN?

X-ray of the PPN shows sinusitis, which according to localization is classified into:

• sinusitis - maxillary inflammation;
• frontal sinusitis - in the frontal part;
• ethmoiditis - darkening of the mastoid cells;
• sphenoiditis – sphenoid bone.

The term “sinusitis” comes from the Latin “sinus”, which means “sinus” and –itis- “inflammation”. Pathology is an inflammatory process in one or more nasal sinuses, occurring as a consequence of influenza, scarlet fever, measles, rhinitis and other infections.

Interpretation of the radiograph of the PPN

Approximate interpretation of the X-ray image of the PPN (for the sample):

The presented radiograph of the paranasal sinuses visualizes a decrease in pneumatization of the left maxillary sinus in the lower third with an upper horizontal level. Conclusion: X-ray signs of left-sided maxillary sinusitis ().

In the picture above you can see the parietal darkening of both maxillary sinuses. Its description will lead to the logical conclusion of bilateral sinusitis.

X-ray of the paranasal sinuses allows not only to diagnose pathology, but also to analyze the dynamics of treatment. When sinusitis is detected in a patient, doctors prescribe several images: the first – immediately after identifying inflammation; the second and subsequent ones - during treatment with antibiotics.

Deciphering a radiograph of the PPN requires analysis of other anatomical structures that can be traced in the image - bones, oral cavity, eye orbits. Tumors can sometimes be found in them, which are an incidental but important finding.

Deciphering one radiograph takes about 10 minutes of a radiologist's time.

Schematic representation of PPN diseases

Why do doctors prescribe x-rays of the paranasal sinuses?

Doctors order x-rays of the paranasal sinuses to detect sinusitis. Readers understood this from the above part of the article. As radiologists say, sinusitis and sinusitis are different, so here is a classification of pathology according to form:

1. Exudative.
2. Catarrhal, serous, purulent.
3. Parietal-hyperplastic.
4. Productive.
5. Polypous.

Each of these forms is clearly visualized by radiography of the PPN. Only if the X-ray symptoms of the disease are unclear can the study be supplemented with CT (computed tomography).

The parietal-hyperplastic form can be traced as parietal darkening due to thickening of the mucous membrane near the bone walls. The contour of the sinuses (paranasal sinuses) with this sinusitis is turned inward and is slightly uneven or wavy.

Polypous sinusitis is manifested by a parietal protrusion on a pedicle, facing inward.

The X-ray picture of catarrhal, serous or purulent sinusitis resembles exudative one. The only difference is the morphological substrate of the liquid that is obtained after puncture (piercing).

Depending on the location, the following forms of sinusitis are distinguished:

1. Hemisinusitis is a lesion of the PPN on both sides.
2. Pansinusitis is inflammatory changes in all paranasal cavities.

What is a cyst and how does a picture of the paranasal sinuses show it?

A cyst on an X-ray of PPN is an unexpected finding for the physician. It has no special clinical symptoms other than the frequent occurrence of maxillary sinusitis. When exposing paranasal formations using X-rays, the doctor can see a rounded shadow of low or medium intensity with an even, clear contour.

Cyst formation in the paranasal sinuses requires surgical treatment.

Fragment of a radiograph of the paranasal sinuses: cyst on the right

How to take an X-ray PPN: preparation

No special preparation is required to take an x-ray of the sinuses. Before the procedure, metal objects should be removed. The x-ray technician positions the patient vertically to the vertigraph. The nose and chin should be in the same plane (nasomental projection). When styling the chin, the plane of the nose and chin should be at an angle.

In conclusion, I would like to note that an X-ray of a child’s PPN is performed only in extreme cases, when the harm from an undiagnosed disease is stronger than the negative effects of X-rays.

Don't think that a CT scan shows more than a sinus x-ray. Each study has its own goals.

When should an X-ray of the PPN be done:

• for severe headaches;
• after suffering from a cold;
• in case of an unexplained increase in temperature;
• for pain in the forehead after the flu.

X-rays of the nose and paranasal formations are in rare cases supplemented by CT or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) when a suspicious symptom is identified that cannot be studied in more detail by radiographic methods.

Taking an X-ray of the PPN is not difficult. No preliminary preparation is required. The procedure involves placing a person vertically to the vertigrapher. The x-ray technician asks the patient to hold his breath. After pressing the exposure button on the control panel of the X-ray machine and developing the X-ray image of the maxillary sinuses, it is sent to a radiologist for interpretation.

What is sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammatory disease. Its danger lies in the fact that the pathology increases intracranial pressure. A person identifies the disease by specific pain sensations in the forehead and paranasal areas.

The danger of the disease is that the inflammatory infiltrate can enter the brain vessels and cause hemorrhage.

What is chronic hypertrophic sinusitis

Chronic hypertrophic sinusitis in the image does not appear as a darkening with a horizontal fluid level, but as a wall layer with an uneven and somewhat concave contour.

The interpretation of such an image is described as follows: on the radiograph, PPN is a parietal darkening due to a hypertrophied and thickened mucous membrane. In some cases, there is a total darkening of the cavity, which becomes completely airless.

X-ray examination is used to diagnose tumors and injuries. It is also necessary to evaluate the results of the treatment.

Indications for the study

Sudden pain under the eyes, combined with nasal congestion and possibly fever, is a reason to undergo an x-ray of the sinuses.

Complaints and symptoms that require an x-ray of the paranasal sinuses:

• sudden pain under the eye sockets, in the eyebrow area or in the area of ​​the bridge of the nose, especially in combination with nasal congestion, increased body temperature and mucopurulent discharge;
• previous trauma to the upper jaw, nose or frontal region;
• long;
• constant nasal congestion;
• periodic headaches in the forehead, temples, around the eye sockets;
• the need for dental surgery on the upper jaw.

Diseases that can be detected by x-ray of the sinuses:

• , frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis, both acute and chronic forms;
• fracture of the bone walls of the paranasal sinus;
• benign and malignant tumors of the sinuses, as well as cavity formations - cysts.

Contraindications

This study is safe for adults. The radiation exposure received is 0.05 mSv and is not harmful to health. Using modern digital X-ray technologies, the level of radiation exposure is minimal. The study can be repeated as needed, but it should not be done more than 2-3 times a year unless absolutely necessary.

X-rays of the paranasal sinuses are not prescribed for children under 7 years of age and pregnant women. If necessary, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging is used in such patients.

An X-ray can be done on a child only if there is a suspicion of purulent inflammation or a fracture of the sinus wall.

How the research is carried out

No special preparation for the study, dietary restrictions or medication is required. The procedure is completely painless. Before the examination, it is necessary to remove all metal objects from the head, including glasses, removable dentures and jewelry. They can “obscure” part of the image and prevent you from assessing it correctly.

X-rays of the paranasal sinuses are performed in 4 standard projections:

• lateral: profile picture, shows the boundaries of the maxillary, frontal and sphenoid sinuses, the patient touches the screen with his chin and opens his mouth;
• Caldwell position (posterior-anterior projection), for viewing the frontal and ethmoid sinuses from above, with the patient leaning his forehead and nose against the screen, tilting his head slightly forward;
• Waters position for assessing the structure of the maxillary sinuses, the anterior part of the cells of the ethmoid sinus and the floor of the orbit, while the patient throws his head back, pressing his chin to the screen;
• chinocranial, making it possible to examine the sphenoid sinus and the anterior and posterior walls of the frontal.

The examination can be performed with the patient standing, sitting in a chair, or lying down. For convenience and immobility of laying the head, sandbags, foam headrests, and elastic bandages were previously used; now their function is performed by devices that support the head, which are equipped with modern X-ray machines. A protective apron that does not transmit x-rays is put on the upper part of the body of the person being examined.

After placing the patient in the desired position, the x-ray technician takes an image.

The study takes a few minutes. After this, you usually need to wait a little so that the laboratory technician is convinced of the good quality of the resulting x-ray. The image is sent to a radiologist for description, the result can be immediately issued or transferred to the attending physician.

Normal X-ray picture

An x-ray of the paranasal sinuses in the nasomental projection visualizes the nasal cavity, orbits, maxillary, frontal and ethmoid sinuses.

An x-ray of the paranasal sinuses shows the following anatomical elements:

• the nasal cavity in the form of a triangular-shaped clearing, divided by a septum into symmetrical halves;
• in each half of the nasal cavity, shadows of the nasal turbinates are visible, and between them there are clearings corresponding to the nasal passages;
• on both sides of the nasal cavity, triangular clearings with clear boundaries are visible - the maxillary sinuses;
• in the space between the eye sockets the cavity of the ethmoid sinus is visible, divided by thin walls into several cells;
• Above the eye sockets in the depths of the bone, the frontal sinuses are defined; they can have different shapes, sometimes they are separated by bony septa.

Any deviations from the normal picture are assessed by a radiologist and reflected in the report. The test result is not a diagnosis. It is assessed by an ENT doctor in conjunction with other signs of a possible disease.

What can a radiologist find?

For sinus problems, your doctor may see:

• signs of acute inflammation: the mucous membrane is thickened, a horizontal level of fluid is visible in the sinus cavity; during suppuration, the border of the contents may be oblique or concave, but this is not a necessary sign;
• signs of chronic inflammation: significant thickening of the walls, narrowing of the sinus lumen until its complete disappearance (lack of pneumatization);
• signs of injury: fractures of bone walls, the presence of loose dense fragments in the sinus, displacement of fragments;
• signs of a tumor: a space-occupying formation in the cavity with increased density;
• signs of a cyst: a rounded clearing outside the normal border of the sinus.

X-ray with contrast of the sinuses

Contrast is the introduction into the sinus cavity of a substance that does not transmit x-rays. It fills in all the irregularities and increases the information content of the study. Such a study is usually performed before surgical treatment of chronic sinusitis.

3-5 ml of iodine-containing substance is injected into the sinus using a thin needle. It remains in the cavity for up to 2 days, so after administration there is no need to take an image immediately.

• Contrast can be introduced into the cavity of the frontal sinus using an endoscope through the frontonasal anastomosis or by trepanobiopsy (puncture) of the wall.
• All sinuses can be filled with water-soluble contrast using the YAMIK sinus catheter. This procedure is carried out in ENT hospitals.

Advantages and disadvantages of the method

X-ray of the paranasal sinuses has its advantages and disadvantages.

The X-ray method is now used as the first stage in diagnosing sinus diseases, and for a more accurate examination the patient is referred to a computed tomography scan.

Which doctor should I contact?

You cannot go directly to the X-ray room and ask to take a picture of your sinuses. The radiologist needs at least a referral indicating the presumptive diagnosis, and it is also advisable to provide the results of previous studies. Therefore, if you suspect diseases of the paranasal sinuses, you need to consult an ENT doctor.

X-rays of the sinuses are performed to determine the condition of the paranasal sections and bone walls. The method is based on transillumination of the nasal cavity with short-length gamma rays, thanks to which the doctor receives a picture of the pathologies of the area being examined.

X-ray of the paranasal sinuses is a method of radiological examination that has been used since 1895. It is based on the ability of bone tissue and fluids to retain γ-rays. The results of an otolaryngological examination are stored on 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 determine acute or chronic diseases. And also confirm the presence of a foreign object in children.

Indications for diagnostics

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

• head injuries;
• headache in the forehead, eyes, bridge of the nose;
• headache when bending the head forward, which can radiate to the upper jaw;
• nosebleeds;
• frequent or severe nasal congestion;
• discomfort in the nasal area after ARVI;
• a combination of symptoms such as rhinorrhea, lacrimation, fear of light;
• long-term temperature above 37.2;
• suspicion of inflammation, cavity formation or tumor;
• adenoid hypertrophy in children.

Diagnosis of the paranasal sinuses of the face is carried out before surgery and to monitor the treatment of pathologies over time. In the first case, a contrast research method is used.

What the study shows

X-ray of the SNP helps determine:

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

The video talks about how and what radiography of the paranasal sinuses helps to identify. Filmed by the Moscow Doctor channel.

Are x-rays of the sinuses harmful and how often can they be done?

In case of inflammation of the SNP, images are taken several times during one course of treatment. To observe cysts and benign formations over time, it is necessary to take an x-ray once a year. X-rays performed twice within 12 months are considered optimal. In any case, the procedure should be performed as many times as prescribed by the attending physician.

It does not cause harm due to the low radiation dose, equal to 0.02 with a digital x-ray and 0.04 millisievert with a film x-ray. The acceptable annual dose for humans 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 performed if it is impossible to perform an ultrasound or the woman’s health justifies the possible risk to the fetus.

Are radiography prescribed for children?

It is not advisable to send children for x-rays due to the negative effects of radiation on the skeletal system. However, if there is no alternative, if the doctor deems it necessary, you should not refuse. Some experienced ENT doctors and radiologists believe that the diagnostic method is suitable for children from 5 years of age.

Preparing for an X-ray

Preparation for the procedure comes down to two rules:

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

There are no restrictions related to food or liquid intake.

It is necessary to clarify when and how to take an x-ray when observing the disease over time. For example, if a patient is having a cuckoo sinus irrigate, x-rays are taken before the sinuses are cleared of fluid.

How does the procedure work and how long does it last?

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 required to take the image. This can be a straight or lateral plane, a projection of the chin, the occipito-frontal part or the occipito-mental part. 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 that the procedure is complete.
5. The picture develops within 15-20 minutes.

— is told in a video from the Live Healthy channel.

Interpretation of results

The interpretation of the results of an x-ray examination may be as follows:

• normal (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

An x-ray of the sinuses of a healthy person looks like this:

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

Photo of a healthy person

Darkening, cavities and thickening in the image

We can talk about diagnosing a pathology if the images show the following:

• darkening the area;
• thickening;
• the presence of a cavity of different shapes;
• deformation of bone tissue.

Acute inflammation is characterized by thickening of the mucosa and deformation of its borders (with purulent contents). The presence and level of fluid are determined by horizontal demarcation in the sinuses. An x-ray will not tell you about the composition of the contents; for this you will need to make a puncture (puncture). If the inflammation is chronic, the mucous membrane thickens and the lumen in the sinus becomes smaller.

Sinusitis

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

The pictures should be decrypted like this:

1. With hyperplastic sinusitis, there is thickening of the mucosa directly next to the bone. In this case, the internal contour becomes wavy and blurry.
2. With catarrhal sinusitis, thickening of the mucosal walls with complete or partial darkening is noted. The presence of a light cavity in the center of the sinus indicates a chronic process.
3. With exudative sinusitis, darkening of the paranasal sinuses occurs with a horizontal delimitation, reflecting the level of fluid filling.
4. With vasomotor and allergic sinusitis, pronounced swelling of the mucous membrane is noted.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the lining of the maxillary sinuses.

The following types of sinusitis are 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. The edges of the mucosa are deformed and directed inside the sinus.
3. Polypous. There is bulging of areas of the mucous membrane, which can be either single or multiple.

Neoplasms and cysts in the sinuses

If photographs of the paranasal sinuses reveal a cavity with dense contents, this indicates the presence of a benign or malignant formation. In most cases, neoplasms are found by chance during the diagnosis of other pathologies.

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

Bone injuries

If a bone is broken or displaced, it will be visible on an x-ray. Bone injuries may appear on x-rays as dense fragments in the sinuses. The image helps to establish the location of the fracture and the displacement of bone fragments, if present. Severe fractures are accompanied by bleeding, which will appear as fluid in the sinuses. The doctor may also detect an old injury that appears as a callus on the image.