3D CT PNS

A CT PNS (Paranasal Sinus) Scan is a specialized, non-invasive imaging test that provides an exceptionally clear view of your sinus cavities. At Cadabam's Diagnostics, we use this advanced technology to create detailed, cross-sectional images of your sinuses and the surrounding bone structures. This quick, painless, and highly accurate procedure is the gold standard for diagnosing and managing a wide range of sinus-related conditions, offering clarity where other tests may fall short. It is a crucial tool for your doctor to understand the root cause of your symptoms and plan the most effective treatment.

What is a CT PNS Scan?

A CT PNS Scan, which stands for Computed Tomography of the Paranasal Sinuses, is an advanced form of X-ray. Instead of a single image, the CT scanner rotates around your head, capturing multiple X-ray images from different angles. A powerful computer then processes these images to create detailed, slice-by-slice views of your anatomy.

Unlike a standard sinus X-ray, which provides a flat, two-dimensional picture, a CT scan for sinusitis offers a far superior level of detail. It allows our radiologists to see the delicate bones, air-filled sinus cavities, and drainage pathways from every angle, eliminating the overlapping of structures that can obscure problems on a regular X-ray.

For complex cases or surgical planning, we can use the scan data to create highly detailed 3D reconstruction CT sinuses images. These three-dimensional models give your surgeon a comprehensive, interactive map of your unique sinus anatomy, which is invaluable for planning safe and precise procedures like endoscopic sinus surgery.

Types of CT PNS Scan

Depending on the clinical reason for your scan, your doctor will request one of the following types:

• CT PNS Scan Without Contrast: This is the most common type of sinus CT. It is highly effective for evaluating chronic sinusitis, assessing bony anatomy, and identifying air-fluid levels that indicate infection. No injections are needed for this scan.
• CT PNS Scan With Contrast: For this scan, an iodine-based contrast material is injected through an IV line. The dye travels through your bloodstream, highlighting blood vessels and making certain types of inflammation, infections, or tumours more visible to the radiologist.
• High-Resolution / 3D Reconstruction: This technique uses the data from a standard CT PNS Scan to create exceptionally detailed images. The 3D reconstruction CT sinuses models are particularly useful for surgeons planning for Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), as they provide a clear view of intricate anatomical relationships.

When our radiologist analyzes your scan, they are looking at several key parameters to assess the health of your sinuses. Answering the question of what does a CT PNS show involves looking for:

• Mucosal Thickening: Swelling or inflammation of the delicate mucous membrane lining the sinuses, a primary sign of sinusitis.
• Air-Fluid Levels: The presence of fluid where there should only be air, often indicating an acute infection.
• Ostiomeatal Complex (OMC) Blockage: Obstruction of the critical, narrow drainage pathways that connect the frontal, maxillary, and ethmoid sinuses to the nasal cavity. Blockage here is a common cause of chronic sinusitis.
• Anatomical Variations: Structural differences you were born with, such as a deviated septum (crooked wall between the nostrils) or concha bullosa, which can narrow passages and impede drainage.
• Nasal Polyps, Cysts, or Tumours: The presence, size, and location of any abnormal growths within the nasal passages or sinus cavities.
• Bony Structures: The condition of the bones forming the walls of the sinuses, looking for signs of erosion, thickening, or fracture.

Your doctor has a specific clinical question they need answered, which is why a CT PNS Scan is ordered. Common reasons include:

• Chronic Sinusitis: To confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause when symptoms last more than 12 weeks.
• Suspected Fungal Sinusitis: To look for characteristic signs of a fungal infection, which requires different treatment than bacterial sinusitis.
• Evaluation after Facial Trauma: To accurately assess the extent of fractures to the sinus bones and surrounding facial structures.
• Persistent Nasal Blockage: To find the source of stuffiness or difficulty breathing through the nose, such as a deviated septum or large polyps.
• Localized Headaches and Facial Pain: To determine if persistent pain over the forehead, cheeks, or between the eyes is originating from the sinuses.
• Surgical Planning: As a mandatory step before FESS to ensure the surgeon has a complete understanding of your anatomy.

When and Who Needs to Take a CT PNS Scan?

Your doctor may recommend a CT PNS Scan if you are experiencing certain symptoms or to help plan a medical procedure. It is a vital diagnostic step for:

• Chronic or Recurrent Sinusitis: It is particularly useful for patients with sinusitis that lasts longer than 12 weeks or keeps returning despite medical treatment. A CT scan for sinusitis can identify underlying anatomical issues causing the problem.
• Persistent Symptoms: Individuals with ongoing symptoms such as facial pain or pressure, chronic nasal congestion, postnasal drip, or a diminished sense of smell often benefit from the detailed view a CT provides.
• Pre-Surgical Planning: It is essential before any sinus surgery. The scan acts as a detailed anatomical "roadmap" for the surgeon, helping to identify potential risks and plan the most effective surgical approach.
• Evaluating Growths or Blockages: A CT PNS Scan is excellent for detecting and evaluating the extent of nasal polyps, cysts, tumours (both benign and malignant), or other growths within the nasal and sinus cavities.
• Assessing Structural Issues: The scan can clearly visualize anatomical variations like a deviated septum or concha bullosa (an air-filled middle turbinate) that may contribute to breathing difficulties and sinus problems.
• Investigating Facial Trauma: After an injury to the face, a CT can accurately assess for fractures of the delicate sinus bones.

Benefits of Taking the Test

Undergoing a CT PNS Scan at Cadabam's Diagnostics provides several key benefits for you and your doctor:

• Definitive Diagnosis: It offers a clear and precise diagnosis for chronic sinus disease and other related conditions, ending the guesswork.
• Targeted Treatment: By clearly visualizing the specific anatomy and areas of blockage or inflammation, the scan allows your doctor to create a targeted treatment plan.
• Rules Out Serious Conditions: The scan can effectively rule out more serious issues like tumours, providing peace of mind.
• Improves Surgical Safety: For patients needing surgery, the detailed roadmap provided by the CT is essential for a safe and effective procedure, minimizing risks and improving outcomes.

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT PNS Scan

This powerful diagnostic tool is instrumental in identifying and characterizing numerous conditions, including:

• Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS): A long-term inflammation of the sinuses.
• Nasal Polyps: Soft, noncancerous growths that can cause significant blockage.
• Deviated Nasal Septum: A common structural issue that can impair breathing.
• Benign or Malignant Tumours: Cancers and non-cancerous growths of the nasal and sinus cavities.
• Fungal Sinusitis: Infections caused by fungi, including allergic fungal sinusitis and invasive fungal balls.
• Complications of Sinusitis: Serious conditions that can arise from untreated infections, such as orbital cellulitis (infection spreading to the eye socket).

Preparation for your scan is simple and straightforward.

• Please inform the technologist about any existing medical conditions, especially allergies (to iodine or shellfish), kidney problems, or diabetes. Most importantly, let them know if there is any chance you might be pregnant.
• You will be asked to remove all metal objects from your head and neck area, as metal can interfere with the CT images. This includes jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and any removable dental work.
• For a scan without contrast, no special dietary restrictions are necessary. If your doctor has ordered a scan with contrast, you may be asked to refrain from eating for a few hours beforehand. Our staff will provide you with specific instructions when you schedule your appointment.

Pre-requisites

• A doctor's referral is required to undergo a CT PNS Scan.
• If a contrast dye is planned for your scan, you may need to provide results from a recent creatinine blood test to ensure your kidneys can safely process the dye.

Best Time to Take the CT PNS Scan

The test can be performed at any time of day. All scans at Cadabam's Diagnostics are scheduled by appointment to ensure minimal waiting time.

Eligibility

The CT PNS Scan is a safe and appropriate test for most adults and children. The main exception is for pregnant patients, who should discuss the specific risks and benefits in detail with their referring doctor and our radiology team before proceeding.

Procedure for Taking a CT PNS Scan

The paranasal sinus CT scan procedure is fast and easy. Our team at Cadabam's Diagnostics will guide you through every step to ensure you are comfortable.

1. Check-in and Preparation: After checking in, a technologist will confirm your details and explain the procedure. You will be asked to remove any metal objects.
2. Positioning: You will be asked to lie down on a flat, motorized table, typically on your back. Your head will be gently placed in a special cradle or holder to help you remain comfortable and perfectly still during the scan.
3. Scanning: The table will then gently slide your head into the center of the large, donut-shaped CT scanner. The scanner is open at both ends, so you will not feel enclosed.
4. Image Capture: The X-ray tube inside the scanner will rotate silently around your head. You will hear quiet whirring or clicking sounds as the images are being taken. The technologist will communicate with you through an intercom and will ask you to hold very still for a few seconds at a time. The actual scanning process is extremely fast, often taking less than a minute.
5. Completion: Once the images are captured, the table will slide back out of the scanner, and the technologist will help you up. The entire appointment usually takes only 15-20 minutes.

Caution Before Taking the Test

For your safety, it is critical to communicate the following to our staff before your scan begins:

• Must Inform Staff: If you are, or if there is any possibility that you could be, pregnant, you must tell the technologist immediately.
• Allergies: If a contrast injection is planned, be sure to mention any known allergies, especially to iodine, contrast dyes, or shellfish.
• Claustrophobia: The CT scanner is very open, but if you have severe anxiety about small spaces, please let our staff know when you book your appointment. We can discuss ways to make you more comfortable.