XR - SHOULDER AP VIEW

XR-PNS, also known as X-Ray Paranasal Sinuses, is a type of specialized imaging procedure designed to capture X-ray images of the paranasal sinuses, which are located adjacent to the nasal cavity. This procedure is frequently recommended for diagnosing and checking the progression of sinus-related pathologies such as sinusitis, neoplasms, and other pathological deviations in regions of the skull concerning the face. In preparation for this test, patients are often instructed to disrobe and are required to take off any jewellery or metallic relevant to the area being scanned. 

What is XR-PNS? 

XR-PNS utilizes X-rays to produce images of the paranasal sinuses. An X-ray is a recognized device that utilizes a form of electromagnetic radiation capable of penetrating the whole body and projecting specific internal structures on a unique film or digital detector. The patient sits on a radiographic chair facing an x-ray machine, where the x-ray beam is focused on his sinuses. The x-ray machines create pictures of the sinuses and the adjoining bone structures. 

Types of XR-PNS 

Variants of XR-PNS include:  

• Standard XR-PNS: This is the most popular type where the patients’ head is placed in a pre-fixed and posture and does not change during exposure to radiographs. 
• Lateral XR-PNS: This view includes imaging the sinuses region laterally (from the side). 
• Waters' view XR-PNS: This version takes images of the sinuses with a view that includes the maxillary sinuses. 

During the test, the medical staff evaluates: 

• Size and outline of the sinus cavities 
• Thickness of the sinus walls 
• Air-fluid levels or haziness 
• Bone architecture and density 
• Any tumours or abnormal bone growths 

Changes could be made according to other patient characteristics such as age and other diseases that may be present. 

An XR-PNS imaging may be indicated for the following signs or conditions: 

• Inflammation of the sinuses 
• Tumours or masses of the sinuses 
• Sinuses or facial skeleton congenital malformations 
• Constipation of the nose 
• Chronic inflammation of the sinuses 
• Pain or pressure in the sinuses 

When and Who Needs to Take an XR-PNS? 

A medical expert may suggest an XR-PNS in the following cases or situations:  

• Chronic sinusitis with recurrent sinus infections. 
• Sinus tumours or masses that are suspected. 
• Anatomical irregularities such as a deviated septum. 
• Pain or pressure of the sinus region. 
• Congestion or discharges from the nose. 
• Inability to identify Odors. 
• Pains in the face or in the head. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

The benefits of XR-PNS, as compared to other imaging techniques, include: 

• Simple and painless procedure 
• Useful in diagnosis and treatment monitoring of sinus diseases 
• Usable for treatment plan formulation 
• Helpful for complication evaluation 

Illnesses Diagnosed with XR-PNS

• Some of the common conditions diagnosed using XR-PNS are: 
• Sinusitis 
• Sinus tumours or masses 
• Concealed anatomical disorders (for instance, deviated nasal septum) 
• Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nasal cavity 

• For the imaging to take place, patients must: 
• Take off their jewellery or anything metallic 
• Dress in loose fitting, comfortable clothing 
• Not eat or drink before the procedural appointment (if the technician informs them to avoid it) 

Pre-requisites 

• No specific requirements are stated for XR-PNS, though patients may be requested to: 
• Refrain from eating or drinking for a few hours prior to the test set 
• Not take some forms of medication in advance of the test 

Best Time to Take the XR-PNS 

• The test can be done at any time, but it is usually best to perform it when the sinuses have the highest chance of being problematic (for instance, during an acute sinus infection). 

Eligibility 

• Anyone can have an XR-PNS, but pregnant women and people with some medical implants may wish to refrain from taking the test due to radiation exposure. 

Procedure For Taking an XR-PNS 

• The entire test procedure is usually done within 15-30 minutes. This includes the following steps: 
• Patient setup: The patient is seated in front of the X-ray machine and required to remove any jewellery or metals. 
• X-ray exposure: The X-ray beam is then focused on the sinuses, and the patient is required to stay still. 
• Image capture: The images are then recorded either on film or into a digital picture detector. 
• Repeat exposures: To capture images from different angles, the test is repeated several times. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

• Patients would need to advise the technologist of the following: 
• any medical implants such as pacemakers. 
• pregnancy or possibility of pregnancy. 
• Any allergic or hypersensitive reaction to an X-ray contrast agent.