CT of the sinuses (without contrast)

Sinus tomography

A paper referral from a doctor is required to take the test.

A computed tomography of the sinuses is most commonly used in the diagnosis of pathological conditions affecting the paranasal sinuses. It is a diagnostic method chosen prior to the application of pharmacological treatment, before laryngological surgeries and in the event of unclear and abnormal results of other tests (e.g. X-ray pictures of the sinuses). Computer tomography of the sinuses makes it possible to detect any damages to the sinuses and specify their location. Moreover, it may be used for the diagnosis of cancerous tumours within the sinuses and the nasal cavity, and the diagnosis of sinusitis. The patient lies down on a special table which slides into the inside of the machine, into the gantry. Once the patient is inside the gantry, an X-ray generating lamp is rotated around the patient’s body on a special frame. Passing through particular tissues of the patient’s body, the radiation becomes weaker. The degree of radiation depends on the type of tissue is has to pass through, e.g. through the bones, the X-ray wave is severely weakened, whilst when passing through air – the X-ray’s weakening degree is at a minimum. This phenomenon makes it possible to precisely differentiate between the particular tissues in the patient’s body. Moreover, the X-ray lamp installed in the gantry, rotating around the patient’s body, illuminates every single point along its longitudinal axis, thereby providing the opportunity to obtain images of the selected layer of the patient’s body on a screen.

The images obtained after each rotation of the lamp around the patient’s body (360°) are then summed up by a computer and displayed on a monitor as an image of anatomical structures from the particular transverse layers of the patient’s body. There is an additional option of the so-called secondary image processing, which involves setting and calculating the grey scale of the image, as well as measuring distances, surface areas, etc.). It is also possible to reconstruct the image in a plane other than the transverse one (e.g. the frontal plane) or even in three-dimensional pictures.

During the examination, the patient must not move to make sure the resultant image is sharp and clear. It is also important to remove all metal items from clothes and body, which might otherwise affect the quality of the images obtained.

Indications for the CT scan of the sinuses:

• acute and chronic sinusitis;
• deviated nasal septum (DNS);
• suspected neoplastic lesions within the sinuses and the nasal cavity;
• injuries;
• assessment of nasal patency.

A Damian Medical Center consultant will call you within 24 hours of purchase to arrange a specific test date.

Please, bring a medical prescription and confirmation of payment for the examination.

A paper referral from a doctor is required to take the test.

No special preparation is required before the CT scan of the sinuses. Patients are requested to bring a prescription in paper form and any previous medical documentation (CT, ultrasound, X-ray and MRI scans, hospital discharge reports and outpatient treatment reports). It is necessary to arrive early (approx. 15-20 minutes) before the examination at the reception desk (level -1) in order to fill in a mandatory form concerning the patient’s health (diseases, drug use, allergies, physiological condition, injuries, past surgeries).The type and scope of the examination is ultimately determined by the radiologist supervising the examination – the radiologist, therefore ultimately decides whether to administer the contrast agent or not, or whether the examination should encompass a particular body part or a different one, or – for example, two at a time. In such cases, an extra payment may be required.

A paper referral from a doctor is required to take the test.

The CT scan of the sinuses is contraindicated mainly in the event of pregnancy or a suspected pregnancy (when a pregnancy is not confirmed, but the patient suspects she may have become fertilised). This is because the X-ray may be dangerous for the developing foetus. Moreover, it should be borne in mind that CT scans may be performed only in medically justified cases, because to frequent exposure to X-rays may negatively affect the patient’s health. Therefore, the CT scan may only be performed upon presenting a medical prescription (valid for 3 months) on the examination day in paper form.