Emergency radiologic approach to sinus disease

• Published in: Emergency radiology Vol. 28; no. 5; pp. 1003 - 1010
• Main Authors: McCann, Matthew R., Kessler, Alexander T., Bhatt, Alok A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01-10-2021; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Computed tomography; Emergency Medicine; Etiology; Imaging; Magnetic resonance imaging; Medical imaging; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Radiology; Review Article; Risk analysis; Sinuses; Sinusitis; Sinus disease; Chronic sinusitis; Invasive fungal sinusitis; Atopic disease; Acute sinusitis
• ISSN: 1070-3004; 1438-1435
• DOI: 10.1007/s10140-021-01945-y

Sinus disease is commonly encountered, especially in the acute care setting. Imaging can support a diagnosis of sinusitis, help identify an etiology, and delineate intracranial and extracranial complications. Suspicion of complicated rhinosinusitis is an indication for contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. It is important for radiologists to be familiar with patient risk factors that predispose to uncommon but aggressive forms of sinus disease such as invasive fungal sinusitis. Lastly, many conditions, ranging from benign to malignant, can mimic rhinosinusitis clinically and on imaging. Radiologists can help by recognizing these entities and facilitating appropriate referral and follow-up. This article reviews the breadth of sinus disease commonly encountered in the emergency setting, potential complications, and mimics.