MRI BRAIN + PNS
Also Known As
SENIOR
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FAMILY
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
About The Test
Definition
MRI Brain + PNS combines a brain MRI with paranasal sinus imaging to create detailed 3-D pictures of:
- Brain parenchyma, ventricles, vessels
- Frontal, maxillary, ethmoid & sphenoid sinuses
- Nasal cavity, septum, turbinates, orbits and skull base
How It Differs From Stand-Alone Scans
| Feature | MRI Brain Only | MRI PNS Only | MRI Brain + PNS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area Covered | Brain | Sinuses | Both in one scan |
| Scan Time | ~20 min | ~20 min | 25–35 min |
| Cost | One study | One study | One combined fee |
Technology Used
- 1.5T & 3T closed MRI for highest detail
- Open MRI option for claustrophobic or bariatric patients
- Advanced software reconstructs both regions simultaneously
List of Parameters
- Brain: grey & white matter, ventricles, vessels, pituitary
- Sinuses: mucosal thickening, polyps, mucoceles, air-fluid levels
- Nasal cavity: septal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy
- Orbits & skull base: masses, bony erosion, CSF leaks
Why This Test
Chronic sinusitis with suspected complications
Suspected brain tumour extending into nasal cavity or sinuses
CSF rhinorrhoea (nose leak) evaluation
Pre-surgical ENT mapping for endoscopic sinus surgery
Unexplained facial numbness or swelling
Recurrent epistaxis (nosebleeds) of unknown cause
Post-traumatic skull-base fracture assessment
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the test
- Single session – saves time and cost
- No radiation – safe for children & repeat follow-ups
- Superior soft-tissue contrast – detects lesions CT may miss
- 3-D reconstruction – aids surgeons in navigation
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Brain + PNS
| Illness | What the Scan Shows |
|---|---|
| Acute or chronic sinusitis | Mucosal thickening, air-fluid levels |
| Nasal polyps | Soft-tissue masses in sinuses or nasal passage |
| Brain tumours | Mass effect, enhancement with contrast |
| Mucoceles / cysts | Expanded sinus cavity with fluid signal |
| Meningoencephalocele | Brain tissue herniation into sinuses |
| Vascular anomalies | Aneurysms, AVM near skull base |
Preparing for test
- Fasting: 4 hours only if contrast is ordered. Plain scans—no fasting required.
- Metal objects: Remove jewellery, hairpins, piercings; credit cards stay outside.
- Clothing: Change to MRI-safe gown; zippers & buttons interfere.
- Medical history: Inform staff of pregnancy, kidney disease, prior contrast allergy.
Pre-Requisites
- Creatinine report (within 4 weeks) if contrast scan is booked
- Previous imaging discs (CT/MRI) for accurate comparison
- Signed consent after safety questionnaire
Best Time to Take the Test
- Morning slots reduce anxiety and claustrophobia fatigue
- Avoid during active nasal bleeding or severe cold (may degrade images)
- Children: schedule when they’re most cooperative (early morning or post-nap)
Eligibility
| Group | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Adults | Any age |
| Children | >5 years (younger kids may need sedation) |
| Pregnancy | Only if medically essential; no contrast in 1st trimester |
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Arrival & registration – 10 min
- Safety screening & IV line if contrast – 15 min
- Positioning on table with head coil – 5 min
- Scan acquisition – 25–35 min (sequences: T1, T2, FLAIR, DWI, sinus STIR)
- Contrast injection (if ordered) – 2 min via power injector
- Post-scan observation – 15 min for contrast reactions
- Discharge with receipt & online report link
Cautions Before the Test
- Contrast allergy: Premedication available if prior reaction documented
- Sedation: Oral or IV mild sedation arranged for anxious patients
- Children: Child-life specialist distracts with video goggles or music
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding / Observation Area | Description of Potential Findings | General Interpretation / Significance Example |
|---|---|---|
| Mucosal thickening | >4 mm sinus lining | Chronic sinusitis |
| T2 bright mass | Polyp / mucocele | May need surgery |
| Enhancing lesion | Gadolinium uptake | Tumour or infection |
| CSF signal in sinus | High T2 fluid | Possible CSF leak |
| Deviation | Septum shifted >50 % | Surgical candidacy |
| Blood Vessels (if MRA performed) | Normal arterial anatomy; findings may include stenosis, occlusion, aneurysm, vascular malformations (AVM), or dissections | Normal vessels, or may indicate stroke risk (stenosis/occlusion), aneurysm (rupture risk), or AVMs that require close monitoring or intervention. |
| Incidental Findings | Any findings not related to the primary indication for the scan, such as cysts, benign tumors, degenerative changes, or congenital anomalies | Often clinically insignificant, but may warrant further follow-up. Examples: arachnoid cysts, old infarcts, tiny meningiomas, or cervical spine degenerative disease. |
Risks & Limitations
| Risk / Limitation | How We Manage at Cadabams Diagnostics |
|---|---|
| MRI-incompatible implants (pacemaker, cochlear) | Pre-scan safety checklist & radiologist review |
| Claustrophobia | Open MRI, music headphones, mild sedation if needed |
| Motion artefacts | 3T fast sequences reduce scan time |
| Cost vs CT | Transparent pricing; CT reserved when bone detail is priority |
FAQs
Is the scan painful?
No. You’ll feel only the table moving and hear knocking sounds.
How soon will I get results?
Plain scan: same evening. Contrast scan: next working day.
Can I eat before MRI Brain + PNS?
Yes, unless contrast is ordered—then 4-hour fast.
What if I’m claustrophobic?
Ask for open MRI or mild sedation; our technicians coach breathing techniques.
Is contrast dye safe?
Gadolinium is generally safe; we screen kidney function first.
What are the next steps after my scan?
Your referring doctor will receive the detailed report from the MRI BRAIN + PNS scan. They will then review these findings in conjunction with your symptoms and medical history to make a diagnosis, discuss any further investigations if needed, and outline potential treatment or follow-up plans with you.