Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Incidental Sinus Abnormalities on Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Non-ENT Population / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence and the types of sinus abnormalities in a non-ENT population and draw any clinical correlation between the two phenomena. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated a total 120 patients who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for suspected intracranial diseases from March to July 1997, in another department at Kang-buk Samsung Hospital. Patients who had been treated for nasal or sinus diseases and who had previous history of nasal or sinus operations were excluded. The sinus abnormalities found on MRI were classified into 6 types as follows; normal, mucosal thickening less than 3 mm and more than 3 mm, fluid collection, polyp or cyst, and others. RESULTS: Among 96 patients studied, 42 (43.7%) patients showed abnormality in one or more sinus group; 12 (20.7%) of the 58 asymptomatic patients and 30 (78.9%) of the 38 symptomatic patients. Sinus abnormalities were most commonly observed in the maxillary sinus. Most common abnormality was the mucosal thickening less than 3 mm. CONCLUSION: Incidental sinus abnormalities detected in a non-ENT population were relatively common. However, pathologic condition which demanded treatment among these abnormalities were rare. Therefore, it would be important to be careful not to overestimate these signs, and one should evaluate their clinical correlations through complete physical examinations before applying any treatment for these lesions.