Computerised tomography evaluation of the frontal recess in inflammatory diseases of the frontal sinus: standardisation of a new technique.
The authors present a new investigation technique by means of CT of the frontal sinus drainage pathway, the frontal recess, which could be of considerable help in defining its potential role in determining a chronic or recurrent inflammatory process of this cavity. Among the main characteristics of this technique are: (1) a clear presentation of the course and conformation of the recess and its relations with surrounding structures; (2) speedy, and therefore economical, operation (12 min for a complete examination); and (3) tolerability, because this examination starts off with axial-scans, which, compared to CT coronal projections and MRI scans, are less prone to defects and do not require strained postures. This this means that all kinds of patients can be assessed, which is a basic requirement for achieving standardisation. With axial scans the authors work from paraxial reconstructions (oblique sagittal) which, in their opinion, give the best definition of the frontal recess so far recorded.
Meloni
F
F
ENT Clinic, University of Sassari, Italy.
Stomeo
F
F
Bozzo
C
C
Dal Fiume
R
R
Fancello
B
B
D000328:Adult; D005626:Frontal Sinus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D015522:Frontal Sinusitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*