title: Advancements in computed tomography management of chronic rhinosinusitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Advances in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology have allowed for reduction in radiation dosages as well as the miniaturization of CT scanner units. This has given rise to new applications for CT scanning, including point-of-care (POC) in-office and intraoperative applications.
  
  
  METHODS
  A review of recent changes to radiological modalities as applied to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery was performed. A discussion of the physics, applications, and role of diagnostic imaging in the evaluation of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The adaptation of cone beam technology has allowed for the practical implementation of CT scanning at the bedside, be it in the clinic or operating room setting.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Given their relative low cost, ease of storage, and low-dose radiation exposure, POC-CT scanners have become an indispensable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of CRS. In the setting of increasing antibiotic costs, overtreatment with antibiotics, and fewer required return visits, POC-CT challenges the conventional role of empiric medical therapy before progression to imaging for the diagnosis of CRS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Randy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.forename: Katrina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chaung
authors.forename: Jason L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: Rakesh K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Chandra
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002908:Chronic Disease; D017281:Cost of Illness; D019468:Disease Management; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends