MRI PNS

Overview – MRI PNS (Paranasal Sinuses)

MRI PNS is an imaging scan that is non-invasive and provides intricate imaging of the sinus cavities, soft tissues, and even the adjacent brain structures. It is useful in the diagnosis of chronic sinus problems, tumours, infections, or complications extending beyond the bony sinuses. 

What is MRI PNS? 

MRI PNS employs the use of magnetic waves and radios to image the soft tissues of the nasal cavity and adjacent areas that include maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal sinuses. It provides excellent contrast resolution especially when distinguishing tissues that are inflamed, infected, or tumours. 

Parameters Considered in MRI PNS Test

• STIR, fat suppressed, T2-weighted, T1-weighted sequences. 
• Coronal, axial, and sagittal approaches. 
• Follow-up images after contrast for tumours, infections, or inflammatory processes. 
• Diffusion-weighted imaging in case of abscess or neoplasm. 

Reasons for the PNS MRI Scan

• Distinguish bacterial from viral or fungal sinus disease. 
• Detect both transient and persistent inflammatory changes such as orbital cellulitis or extension into the intracranial. 
• Locate sinus tumours benign or malignant. 
• Assess nasal polyps or mucoceles 
• Assist in the surgical intervention for complex sinus diseases 

When and Who Needs an MRI PNS Scan? 

Indications: 

• Chronic or persistent sinusitis with poor response to treatment. 
• Possible sinus fungal infection, tumours, or growths. 
• Assessment of sinus cysts. 
• Secondary changes of sinus infection to orbit or brain. 
• Preoperative imaging for planning ENT surgery. 

Suitable For: 

• Patients suffering chronic congestion of the nose, facial pain, or pressure in the sinuses. 
• Patients with a prior history of surgery to the sinuses or tumours. 
• Patients requiring a detailed evaluation of soft tissues when CT does not provide adequate information. 

Benefits of PNS MRI Scan

• Compared to CT, the detail involving soft tissue is a lot better. 
• No exposure to radiation. 
• Outstanding accuracy in complicated cases that extend beyond the sinuses. 
• Great for tumour or infection monitoring. 

Conditions Diagnosed by MRI PNS

Preparation for MRI PNS Scan

• There are no diet restrictions. 
• Avoid using any make up around the cheekbones and forehead as they can interfere with imaging. 
• If contrast is required, a kidney function test should be performed. 

Pre-requisites 

• Referral from ENT or physician. 
• Renal function test if contrast has beed prescribed. 
• All history of implants and allergies that should be disclosed. 

Best Time to Perform MRI PNS Test 

• Sinus symptoms remain persistent and ongoing despite treatment. 
• Vision, fever, and facial swelling have sharp changes worsens. 
• Complex sinus problems that require surgery are suspected. 

Eligibility 

• Suitable for all patients including young kids 
• Non-contrast MRI is best for routine inflammatory sinus disease 
• Contrast MRI is only done for tumour or complication evaluation 

Procedure 

• Patient is on a table with their head set in a coil 
• Scanning takes 20 - 30 minutes 
• Injected with contrast if required (IV infusion) 
• Images are analysed by the radiologist and sent to the patient's doctor as a report 

Caution 

• Tell the doctor in case of pregnancy, pacemaker, or kidney problems 
• Avoid moving to keep images sharp 
• Gave any information regarding allergies to contrast dyes