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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Opacification Within Both Ethmoid Air Cells On CT Scan Mean?

Hi! I was seen for a CT scan in June 2014. Results indicate complete opacification of of the left front sinus and moderate to severe opacification within both right and left eithmoid air cells. States bilateral medial maxillary sinus antrostomies are identified. Completed another CT scan for head today and anxious about the results.
Thu, 11 Sep 2014
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ENT Specialist 's  Response
Hi. The opacification within both ethmoid sinus air cells may mean that you have sinusitis of your ethmoids or ethmoid sinusitis. The left frontal sinus seems to be opacified and may suggest sinusitis as well.

On a CT scan, all that you see which is white in colour is bone and everything that is black is air. Normally, our sinuses must appear black in colour since they are filled with air. In your case the sinuses that lie beneath the bridge of the nose, between the eyes (ethmoid sinuses) are opacified. This means that there is some soft tissue present instead of air. The soft tissue can be secretions or polyps or sometimes even blood. It is hard to differentiate one from the other just by looking at the scans.

Sinusitis can be treated with oral medications and sprays. Polyps may require surgical removal.

Do let me know if you need any help in interpreting your second CT scan as well.


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What Does Opacification Within Both Ethmoid Air Cells On CT Scan Mean?

Hi. The opacification within both ethmoid sinus air cells may mean that you have sinusitis of your ethmoids or ethmoid sinusitis. The left frontal sinus seems to be opacified and may suggest sinusitis as well. On a CT scan, all that you see which is white in colour is bone and everything that is black is air. Normally, our sinuses must appear black in colour since they are filled with air. In your case the sinuses that lie beneath the bridge of the nose, between the eyes (ethmoid sinuses) are opacified. This means that there is some soft tissue present instead of air. The soft tissue can be secretions or polyps or sometimes even blood. It is hard to differentiate one from the other just by looking at the scans. Sinusitis can be treated with oral medications and sprays. Polyps may require surgical removal. Do let me know if you need any help in interpreting your second CT scan as well.