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What Causes Blood Accumulation In Sinuses?
Question: I had sinus surgery 2 weeks ago. I couldn't find my surgeon afterwards and had to go into Emergency because of a horrible headache and narcotics that raced my heart and could not use then any more. They gave me antibiotics (had fever) and took a CT scan and found ..."There is soft tissue opacification of the nasal cavity. This has a hyper attenuating component suggestive of hemorrhagic product. Layering hyperattenuating blood product is also noted within the left maxillary sinus. This is seen in the context of mild left-sided mucosal thickening. High-grade soft tissue opacification is noted within the right maxillary sinus. Patient is status post bilateral maxillary antrostomy. I also note high-grade soft tissue opacification of the ethmoid air cells and portions of the frontal and sphenoid sinuses. Some of this hyperattenuating, suggesting blood product. A small globular mucous retention cyst or polyp is noted along the anterior aspect of the sphenoid sinus." The doctor at Emergency and my family Dr. , both told me I should see my surgeon as soon as possible. I have left messages and sent CT copies to my surgeon, but (sorry to say ) is basically ignoring me. The first appointment after the operation is at the end of April. I should be back to work next week. I feel weak and still have headaches and my nose is still somewhat plugged. Is there something from the CT results that should be concerning and looked after right away? Dr. , could you please give me some guidance here. I would really appreciate your input. Thanks a million.
Brief Answer:
post operative bleeding, infection, headache .
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I empathize with your problem. After going through your CT report, I agree with the ER doctors inference. According to your scan you have blood accumulated in your sinuses after the surgery. Both your maxillary and ethmoidal sinuses are filled with blood. That is giving high resolution hyerattenuation on the scan. Further the sphenoidal sinuses has a retention cyst or polyp which needs to be treated as well. The headaches are most likely due to the same reasons.
Bleeding after the surgery is a usual complication, but going through your CT report I feel you have bled overly. The possibility of injury of major artery of nose and sinus cannot be excluded. In my opinion this has to be addressed through endoscopy as early as possible.
I am glad you are on antibiotics to prevent infection. If your ENT surgeon is not returning calls, you may talk to your primary care physician who referred you to the surgeon in the first place. He/she may help you speak to the first surgeon or provide reference to another expert.
Do not panic; these are the usual complications of surgery, but has to be addressed early.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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