Radiologic diagnosis of inflammatory and tumorous disorders of the paranasal sinuses

In a retrospective study, 158 patients with therapy resistant symptoms of paranasal sinus affections were investigated with conventional tomography, 39 patients in addition underwent computed tomography (CT) examination. From conventional tomography films, inflammatory affections limited to the paranasal sinuses were clearly diagnosed in 99%, and benign tumours in 76%. The dignity of malignant neoplasms was correctly recognized in 100%. CT provided additional information in 10% with regard to bone destruction, in 28% with regard to brain involvement, and in 17% with regard to tumour extension into the orbita. Considering the precise diagnosis and economical factors, conventional tomography is indicated as the primary investigation procedure in the evaluation of inflammatory and benign disease of the paranasal sinuses. CT gives definite additional information in cases of suspected bone destruction and in affections extending beyond the paranasal sinuses because of its more detailed depiction of the paranasal sinus structures.