Xenon-enhanced computed tomography quantifies normal maxillary sinus ventilation.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the applicability, safety, and normal parameters of a xenon-enhanced CT technique to quantify maxillary sinus ventilation.


METHODS
Nine healthy subjects inhaled a xenon-oxygen-air mixture through their noses while repeated CT scans were performed through the same section of their sinuses. Images were obtained every 1 to 3 minutes and analyzed to measure the density of the gas in the maxillary sinus as a function of time.


RESULTS
Individual nasal cavity time constants ranged from 0.5 to 18 minutes. Studies performed after decongestion showed poorer sinus ventilation.


CONCLUSIONS
The xenon-CT washin/washout technique is safe, effective, and gives representative data.
Leopold
D
D
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-1225, USA.
Zinreich
S J
SJ
Simon
B A
BA
Cullen
M M
MM
Marcucci
C
C
D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000187:drug effects; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000494:pharmacology; D010100:Oxygen / Q000502:physiology*; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D012016:Reference Values; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014978:Xenon
D003287:Contrast Media; D007093:Imidazoles; D014663:Nasal Decongestants; D014978:Xenon; D010100:Oxygen; C009695:xylometazoline