CT PNS AXIAL / CORONAL VIEWS

Axial Views

These are horizontal slices, viewed from top to bottom. Imagine looking down through your head as if it were a stack of coins; each image is one of those coins. This view is excellent for assessing the relationship between different sinus cavities.

Coronal Views

These are vertical slices, viewed from front to back, as if you were looking directly at a person's face. This view is considered the most important for evaluating the drainage pathways of the sinuses, known as the ostiomeatal complex.

Types of CT PNS Scan

CT PNS Scan Without Contrast

This is the most common and standard method for evaluating the sinuses. A CT PNS scan without contrast is the gold standard for assessing chronic sinusitis, anatomical blockages, and the general structure of the sinus cavities. It provides all the necessary information for most diagnostic and pre-surgical planning without the need for an IV injection.

CT PNS Scan With Contrast

This type is used less frequently for sinus evaluation. It involves injecting an iodine-based contrast dye into a vein in your arm. The dye travels through your bloodstream and highlights blood vessels and certain types of tissue. A scan with contrast may be ordered if there is a specific concern about a potential tumor, abscess (a collection of pus), or a vascular malformation within or near the sinuses.

When our board-certified radiologists at Cadabam's Diagnostics analyze your scan, they are meticulously assessing several key parameters to build a complete picture of your sinus health:

• Sinus Aeration: They check whether the sinuses are properly filled with air (normal) or are opacified (cloudy), which could indicate fluid, thickened tissue, or inflammation.
• Mucosal Thickening: The lining of your sinuses (mucosa) is examined for any swelling or thickening, a classic sign of sinusitis.
• Anatomical Blockages: The scan clearly shows any structural issues that could be causing problems, such as a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or the presence of nasal polyps.
• Bone Structure: The surrounding bony walls of the sinuses are evaluated for abnormalities, erosion (which can be a sign of aggressive infection or a tumor), or fractures from trauma.
• Ostiomeatal Complex (OMC) Patency: This is a critical area. The radiologist assesses whether these crucial drainage pathways are open (patent) or blocked, as obstruction here is a primary cause of recurrent sinusitis.

There are many specific clinical reasons why this scan is such a powerful diagnostic tool. It is often ordered to:

• Investigate the root cause and extent of chronic sinusitis symptoms that don't respond to medication.
• Provide a definitive diagnosis of nasal polyps and their location.
• Evaluate facial trauma to check for fractures of the delicate sinus bones.
• Serve as a detailed "roadmap" for surgeons before performing Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), improving safety and precision.
• Assess for less common but more serious conditions like fungal sinusitis ("fungus ball") or tumors within the sinus cavities.
• Get a clear picture to understand the full extent of a CT scan for blocked sinuses, which helps tailor the most effective treatment plan.

When and Who Needs to Take a CT PNS Scan?

Common reasons your doctor might order this scan include:

• Chronic or recurrent sinusitis (inflammation lasting more than 12 weeks).
• Persistent facial pain, pressure, or headaches.
• Ongoing nasal congestion or obstruction.
• Suspected nasal polyps.
• Significant facial trauma or injury.

Benefits of Taking the Test

Choosing to have a CT PNS scan offers several significant benefits for you and your treatment plan:

• Definitive Diagnosis: It moves beyond guesswork, providing a clear and precise diagnosis of your sinus condition.
• Enhanced Surgical Safety: For patients needing surgery, the scan allows surgeons to understand your unique anatomy, identify potential risks, and plan the procedure meticulously. For expert consultations, you can connect with our team of specialists.
• Peace of Mind: The scan can help rule out more serious conditions, providing reassurance.
• Targeted Treatment: By identifying the exact problem (e.g., a blockage vs. general inflammation), your doctor can prescribe a more targeted and effective medical treatment.

Illnesses Diagnosed with CT PNS Axial/Coronal Views

This one test can help identify a wide range of conditions affecting the paranasal sinuses, including:

• Chronic Rhinosinusitis
• Nasal Polyps (Polyposis)
• Deviated Nasal Septum
• Fungal Sinusitis (Allergic and Invasive)
• Benign Tumors (e.g., Osteoma, Inverted Papilloma)
• Malignant Tumors (Cancers)
• Mucocele (Blocked mucus collection)
• Sinus Fractures

Preparation for a CT PNS scan is very simple.

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your appointment.
• You will be asked to remove any metal objects from your head and neck area, including eyeglasses, jewelry, hearing aids, and dentures, as these can interfere with the image quality.
• For a standard non-contrast scan, there are no dietary restrictions. You can eat and drink as usual.
• If your doctor has ordered a scan with contrast, our staff will provide you with specific instructions about fasting for a few hours before the test.

Pre-requisites

• A doctor's referral or prescription is required to undergo a CT scan.
• For a standard CT PNS scan without contrast, no prior blood work (like creatinine tests) is necessary.

Best Time to Take the CT PNS Scan

The test can be performed at any time. Its accuracy is not dependent on the time of day, fasting (for non-contrast scans), or a woman's menstrual cycle. You can schedule it at your convenience.

Eligibility

Nearly all individuals are eligible for a CT PNS scan. The most important contraindication is:

• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant, you must inform our staff and your doctor. While the radiation dose is low, scans are generally avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely medically necessary.

Procedure for Taking a CT PNS Scan

Understanding the sinus CT scan procedure can help you feel more comfortable on the day of your appointment. At Cadabam's Diagnostics, our friendly technologists will guide you through every step.

• Step 1: Check-in: You will arrive at our center, confirm your appointment and personal details, and may be asked to change into a medical gown.
• Step 2: Positioning: The technologist will lead you into the CT room and help you lie down comfortably on your back on the scanner table. They will provide a special cradle for your head to help you keep it perfectly still during the scan.
• Step 3: The Scan: The technologist will move to the control room, from where they can see and speak to you. They will instruct the table to move slowly through the center of the large, doughnut-shaped scanner. You will be asked to remain very still and may need to hold your breath for a few seconds at a time. You will not feel anything during the scan.
• Step 4: Completion: The entire scanning process is incredibly fast, often taking less than a minute. The total time on the table is usually only a few minutes, with the full appointment lasting around 15 minutes. Once complete, you are free to go home and resume your normal activities.

Caution Before Taking the Test

Your safety is our top priority. Please remember to:

• Crucially, inform the technologist if you are pregnant or think there is any possibility you could be.
• If you are scheduled for a scan with contrast, be sure to provide a complete medical history, especially regarding kidney problems or any known allergies to iodine or previous contrast dye injections.