Sinus MRI scan

You may be asked to wear a hospital gown or clothing without metal snaps or zippers (such as sweatpants and a t-shirt). Certain types of metal can cause blurry images. You will lie on a narrow table, which slides into a tunnel-shaped scanner. Small devices, called coils, are placed around the head. These devices help…

Before the test, tell the radiologist if you have kidney problems. This may affect whether you can have IV contrast. If you fear confined spaces (have claustrophobia), tell your health care provider before the exam. You may be given a medicine to help you feel sleepy and less anxious. Your provider may also recommend…

An MRI exam causes no pain. Some people may become anxious inside the scanner. If you have problems lying still or are very nervous, you may be given medicine to help you feel calm (sedative). Too much movement can blur MRI images and cause errors. The table may be hard or cold. You can ask for a blanket or pillow.…

This test provides detailed pictures of the sinuses. Your provider may order this test if you have: Abnormal nasal drainage An abnormal finding on an x-ray or nasal endoscopy Birth defect of the sinuses Loss of smell Nasal airway blockage that does not get better with treatment Repeated bloody noses ( epistaxis )…

Results are considered normal if the organs and structures being examined are normal in appearance.

Different types of tissues send back different MRI signals. Healthy tissue will send back a slightly different signal than cancerous tissue. Abnormal results may be due to: Birth defects Bone fractures Cancer or tumor Infection in the bones of the sinuses (osteomyelitis) Infection of the tissues surrounding the eye…

MRI uses no ionizing radiation. No side effects from MRI have been reported. The most common type of contrast (dye) used is gadolinium. It is very safe. Allergic reactions to this dye rarely occur. The person operating the machine will monitor your heart rate and breathing. Very rarely, people with kidney failure or…

Tests that may be done instead of a sinus MRI include: CT scan of the sinuses X-ray of the sinuses A CT scan may be preferred in emergency cases, since it is faster and often available in the emergency room. Note: MRI is not as effective as CT in defining the anatomy of the sinuses, and therefore is not typically used…

Khan M, Zinreich J, Aygun N. Imaging of the nose and sinuses. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 38. O'Handley JG, Tobin EJ, Shah AR. Otorhinolaryngology. In: Rakel RE, Rakel DP, eds. Textbook of Family…