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Emergency radiologic approach to sinus disease

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Abstract

Sinus disease is commonly encountered, especially in the acute care setting. Imaging can support a diagnosis of sinusitis, help identify an etiology, and delineate intracranial and extracranial complications. Suspicion of complicated rhinosinusitis is an indication for contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. It is important for radiologists to be familiar with patient risk factors that predispose to uncommon but aggressive forms of sinus disease such as invasive fungal sinusitis. Lastly, many conditions, ranging from benign to malignant, can mimic rhinosinusitis clinically and on imaging. Radiologists can help by recognizing these entities and facilitating appropriate referral and follow-up. This article reviews the breadth of sinus disease commonly encountered in the emergency setting, potential complications, and mimics.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA

    Matthew R. McCann & Alok A. Bhatt

  2. Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, P.O. Box 648, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA

    Alexander T. Kessler

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  1. Matthew R. McCann
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  2. Alexander T. Kessler
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  3. Alok A. Bhatt
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Correspondence to Alok A. Bhatt.

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McCann, M.R., Kessler, A.T. & Bhatt, A.A. Emergency radiologic approach to sinus disease. Emerg Radiol 28, 1003–1010 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10140-021-01945-y

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