title: Optimisation of the technique of computed tomographic imaging of paranasal sinuses.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recently, computed tomography has won recognition as a standard method for confirming opacifications in the sinuses because of its high resolution, absence of superimposition in visualizing objects, and the extremely accurate density differentiation of the tissues. With the advent of functional endonasal surgery this technique acquired especial significance in the preoperative imaging of sinuses with inflammatory diseases and the postoperative follow-up of the results.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to optimize the imaging technique of the paranasal sinuses.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty patients with inflammatory disorders of the paranasal sinuses were examined using Sytec 3000 scanner. We developed a special technique for coronal and axial scanning.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The bone and soft tissues were very clearly delineated in every slice. We used lower exposure factor which reduced the radiation dose by 40%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The technique we developed provides a standard for imaging the sinuses; it allows accurate preoperative diagnosis and postoperative follow-up of the results of the surgery in this region.
authors.affiliation: Department of Roentgenology, Higher Medical Institute, 15A Vassil Aprilov St., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
authors.forename: N I
authors.initials: NI
authors.lastname: Traikova
authors.forename: K B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Dzhambazov
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Tatarev
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011187:Posture; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*