Ultrasound of the maxillary sinuses effectiveness. Ultrasound of the nasal sinuses for children and adults (Echosinusoscopy). Southern Administrative District

The air cavities in the body of the upper jaw, as well as in the frontal, ethmoid and sphenoid bones are called paranasal sinuses. In the early stages of intrauterine development, outgrowths appear from the mucous membrane of the nasal passages, which, as they grow, invade the corresponding bones, forming air sinuses. Each sinus communicates with the nasal cavity. The maxillary sinuses are usually quite well developed at birth, the frontal and sphenoid sinuses are formed by 6-7 years, and the ethmoidal labyrinth is formed during puberty. Thus, the sinuses are fully formed by the age of 17-20.

The maxillary (maxillary) sinus is located in the body of the upper jaw. Although the maxillary sinuses appear rectangular in lateral view, they have the shape of a truncated triangular pyramid with an apex close to the zygomatic process. The maxillary sinus has five walls: superior, inferior, internal, posterior and anterior. The two maxillary sinuses vary considerably in size and shape, but are usually symmetrical. The sinus can be separated by incomplete or complete septa. The maxillary sinuses communicate with the middle meatus.

In the frontal bone of the skull to the left and right of the midline are the frontal (frontal) sinuses. The frontal sinus is limited by four walls: anterior, posterior, inferior and internal. The septum between the sinuses usually deviates from the midline, so the frontal sinuses are rarely symmetrical. Sometimes they are missing. Inside, the frontal sinuses may have bony projections and septa. Like the maxillary sinuses, the frontal sinuses communicate with the middle meatus.

Click on the picture to enlarge.

On ultrasound, the superficial frontal and maxillary sinuses are clearly visible, the cells of the ethmoidal labyrinth are partially visible through the eyeball, and the sphenoid sinus is inaccessible. Ultrasound allows you to determine the presence of air, fluid or thickened mucosa in the sinus, as well as track the dynamics of the pathological process during treatment. ENT doctors use ultrasound for initial screening and dynamic monitoring of pathology of the frontal and maxillary sinuses.

Sinuses on ultrasound

For ultrasound of the sinuses, a high-frequency linear sensor of 7.5-13 MHz is used. But the study can be performed with any type of sensor.

Photo. An image of the maxillary sinuses obtained using different types of sensors: A - convex sensor, B - linear sensor, C - cardiac sensor, D - pediatric sensor.

Examination of the paranasal sinuses is best performed with the patient sitting with the head slightly tilted forward. Additional postures of tilting the head back, as well as bending forward and to the side will help distinguish effusion from other pathological conditions.

Examination of the maxillary and frontal sinuses is always carried out in the transverse and longitudinal planes. It is especially important to compare the results on the right and left sides. To examine the maxillary sinus, the probe is placed under the inferior wall of the orbit and then scanned parallel to the inferior rim of the orbit from top to bottom. Please note that the distance to the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus decreases as you move from the orbit to the alveolar process. The probe is then rotated and scanned mediolaterally. To study the frontal sinus, the sensor is placed on the bridge of the nose.

Due to changes in impedance between soft tissue and bone, as well as between bone and air, complete reflection of ultrasonic waves occurs behind the anterior wall of the air sinus. Thus, when scanning a healthy sinus, the first layer is represented by the skin and subcutaneous tissue, then a thin, continuous, hyperechoic anterior wall of the sinus is identified, followed by thin parallel echo lines from the repeated reflection of ultrasound waves back to the transducer. The reverberation artifact should not be confused with back wall reflection.

Photo. Transverse section of the air mandibular sinus on ultrasound: A - only the anterior wall is visible with minimal reverberation artifact; B, C — the reverberation artifact behind the front wall is more pronounced; D - a mirror image with a single A-line can be mistaken for a thickening of the mucous membrane or the posterior wall of the sinus, but the A-line is not located deep enough from the anterior wall (in our case only 1.4 cm).

The walls of the sinus are visible only in the case of pathological conditions. When the sinus is filled with fluid or thickened mucosa, or when polyps are in direct contact with the anterior wall, the ultrasound waves continue in depth and may be reflected on the posterior and lateral walls. The posterior wall in the maxillary sinus in adults is usually at a depth of about 40 mm, and in the frontal sinus - 20 mm.

Pathology of the maxillary and frontal sinus on ultrasound

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the sinuses due to infection or under the influence of allergens and other pathogenic factors. In acute inflammation, the mucous membrane swells and effusion appears. In the chronic process, the mucous membrane is sharply thickened, effusion, cysts or polyps may be present.

How to interpret ultrasound data of the maxillary sinuses:

Normal sinus: soft tissues (skin and subcutaneous tissue); hyperechoic anterior wall with reverberation artifact (A-lines) behind; the back and side walls are not defined.
"Incomplete sinusogram": soft tissues (skin and subcutaneous tissue); hyperechoic anterior wall; a bright hyperechoic V- or U-shaped contour of the posterior wall is clearly visible; the side walls are not defined; the cavity appears hypo- or anechoic. An “incomplete sinusogram” is recorded on ultrasound if the sinus is partially filled with effusion or the mucous membrane is concentrically thickened. When the mucosa is noticeably thickened, the posterior wall is visible at a distance< 3,5 см у взрослых и < 2 см у детей.

Important!!! An effusion that does not completely fill the sinus may become visible when the head is tilted forward and disappear when the head is straightened. It takes some time for the jelly-like exudate to drain.

"Full sinusogram": soft tissues (skin and subcutaneous tissue); hyperechoic anterior wall; The U- or V-shaped contour of the back wall and the side walls form a clear triangle; the cavity appears hypo- or anechoic. On ultrasound, a “full sinusogram” is recorded if the sinus is filled to the brim with effusion. A retention cyst differs from a sinus with effusion in that the posterior wall appears rounded and the distance to it< 3,5 см у взрослых и <2 см у детей

Important!!! When assessing the maxillary sinuses, the results of ultrasound and radiography coincide in 80% of cases. But sometimes, with a normal ultrasound picture, a moderate concentric thickening of the mucous membrane is determined on the radiograph, and with normal radiographs, incomplete sinusograms are detected on the ultrasound.

Photo. A “full sinusogram” on ultrasound may correspond to a sinus filled to the brim (A) or a retention cyst (B). Note that in the case of an effusion, the V-shaped posterior wall is 3.5 cm deep from the anterior wall, and in the case of a retention cyst, the rounded posterior wall is 1.5 cm deep from the anterior wall.

Photo. Ultrasound shows a transverse section of the maxillary sinus: A - Healthy air sinus. B, C - The posterior wall of the sinus is only partially visible, which can be interpreted as a small amount of fluid or thickening of the mucosa. D - A “partial sinusogram” with a bright V-shaped back wall indicates fluid level.

Photo. A man with aspiration pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome, who is receiving nutrition through a tube inserted in the left nostril, developed a fever and purulent nasal discharge. Ultrasound of the maxillary sinuses: on the right, all the walls of the sinus are clearly visible, the cavity (asterisk) is almost anechoic; On the left, the walls are not visible, the cavity (asterisk) is echogenic. Conclusion: A “full sinusogram” indicates that the right maxillary sinus is completely filled with exudate. During puncture, purulent hemorrhagic contents were obtained. Cultures are positive for Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Photo. A 37-year-old man complains of headaches in the forehead. Left maxillary sinus on ultrasound: on the cross section (A) the posterior and lateral walls are clearly visible, an echogenic stripe (probably mucous) is identified along the lateral walls, the cavity is hypoechoic; on the longitudinal section, an echogenic stripe (probably mucous) along the anterior and posterior walls is clearly visible. Conclusion: Echo signs of hypertrophy of the mucous membrane of the left maxillary sinus. On CT (B) the mucosa of the left mandibular sinus is noticeably thickened.

Photo. During the initial examination, an ultrasound scan reveals a “complete sinusogram” of both maxillary sinuses, which indicates bilateral sinusitis. During therapy, ultrasound showed positive dynamics. However, even after 2 months, the contour of the posterior wall is determined in the right maxillary sinus, which can be interpreted as thickened mucosa.

Photo. Maxillary sinuses on ultrasound and MRI: An “incomplete sinusogram” on the right corresponds to a retention cyst on MRI, and a normal ultrasound picture on the left corresponds to a small fluid level on MRI.

Video. The sensor is located transversely between the eyebrows. Ultrasound reveals a thick hyperechoic anterior wall and a flat-curved posterior wall at a depth of 1.5 cm. Conclusion: Echo signs of frontal sinusitis. Important!!! A mirror image with a single A-line can be mistaken for an echo of the rear wall.

Take care of yourself, Your Diagnosticer!

Ultrasound of the maxillary sinuses- a highly specialized examination used in the treatment of ENT diseases. Ultrasound diagnostics of the nose is an affordable and safe alternative to radiography and computed tomography of the maxillary sinuses, however, ultrasound is not always as informative as the above examinations.

Using ultrasound of the nasal sinuses, you can determine the presence of fluid or pus in the nasal cavities, the condition of all structures (including vascular septa, cartilage tissue), the presence of neoplasms of various types, and foreign objects.

The procedure is completely painless, non-invasive and safe. Can be performed on patients of any age without restrictions, including children and pregnant women. An ultrasound of the child’s nose can be performed at any age.

Indications

Ultrasound examination of the maxillary sinuses is effective for diagnosing pathologies of the nasal septum, identifying foci of inflammation in sinusitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis. Ultrasound of the nasal cavity is used to study the causes of nosebleeds, allergic reactions, in the presence of polyps, lipomas, the consequences of mechanical damage, as well as in dental practice.

Preparation

The session itself lasts 10-15 minutes, no preliminary preparation is needed. If necessary, ultrasound of the maxillary sinuses is re-prescribed to monitor the dynamics of treatment or combined with other diagnostic examinations.

More details

Price

The cost of ultrasound of the maxillary sinuses in Moscow ranges from 600 to 6200 rubles. The average price is 1410 rubles.

Where to do an ultrasound of the maxillary sinuses?

Our portal contains all the clinics where you can get an ultrasound of the maxillary sinuses in Moscow. Choose a clinic that suits your price and location and make an appointment on our website or by phone.

The paranasal sinuses are cavities filled with air. They occupy the body of the upper jaw (maxillary) and are also attached to the bones of the face. They connect to the passages of the nose. In inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, mucus and fluid from the nasal passages can enter the sinus cavity. Examination of the nasal sinuses using ultrasound can reveal the beginning of the disease.

The ultrasound technique is based on the ability of ultrasonic waves to pass through the tissues of the human body and be reflected at the border of areas of different densities. This is called a reflected echo. The ultrasound machine “catches” him.

Waves are unable to travel through a mass of air. Since in a healthy state the sinuses are filled with it, the ultrasound signal is completely reflected and is not recorded on the equipment. If there is mucus, liquid inside the paranasal sinuses, or there are seals - signs of the development of the disease - then ultrasound penetrates inside without obstacles and is recorded by an ultrasound machine.

Scanning of the internal contents of the nasal sinuses occurs using a high-frequency linear sensor. A gel contact is first applied to the surface of the skin of the examined area. The gel is needed for a better visual display of the study results on the monitor, since the bone prevents this.

The sensor is fixed motionless in one place. It collects information about the state of the sinuses and displays it on the screen in graphical form. The specialist interprets the data obtained and draws conclusions about the existing diagnosis.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of the ultrasound technique are as follows:
availability;
safety;
low cost;
no pain;
obtaining reliable information;
a small list of contraindications;
non-invasive;
detection of concentration of foreign bodies in the nasal cavity;
quick results;
no serious preparation required.

There are 2 scanning methods:
A-scan (one-dimensional ultrasound);
B-scan (two-dimensional ultrasound).

One-dimensional scanning is based on the use of only one ultrasound beam. This method has the following disadvantages:
inaccuracy of the result;
low information content;
inability to examine areas whose location is too deep (ethmoid sinus).

In this mode, the beam does not “see” that there is a cyst, fluid or pus in front of it. Therefore, making a diagnosis is difficult. Such an examination is prescribed only if the presence of lungs is suspected and for preventive purposes.
The second scanning mode is more accurate and efficient. Several ultrasonic waves are used. Each of them is aimed at a specific point. An in-depth examination of all areas, as well as organs and tissues close to the sinuses, is carried out. Disadvantages - high cost, inability to conduct examinations too often due to high radiation exposure.
What pathologies can be identified?
The ultrasound technique makes it possible to obtain information based on the following criteria:
how thick is the layer of fat under the skin, and in what condition is it;
is there any damage to the mucous membrane;
what condition are the vascular partitions in?
nasal cartilage parameters;
condition of blood vessels;
at what level is the fluid in the sinus cavity;
condition of bone tissue;
tumor size.

Based on these data, the diagnosis is clarified. An ultrasound will show the following pathologies:
sinusitis;
ENT diseases at the chronic stage;
polyps;
damage to bone and cartilage;
tumors of various etiologies;
vascular diseases.

An ultrasound also reveals foreign objects that have clogged the nasal cavity. The study is also prescribed for the purpose of monitoring the therapeutic process. Ultrasound allows you to identify the main cause of the painful condition and establish the correct diagnosis.
Indications for diagnostics
Indications for ultrasound are as follows:
pain in the head (especially in the forehead) due to “clogged” airways and thickenings in the place of the sinuses;
or cartilage tissue;
suspected allergic nature of rhinitis;
nosebleeds for unknown reasons;
purulent inflammation inside the nasal cavity (with colds and ENT diseases);
swelling, tightness of the sinuses, pain when touched;
suspicion of finding foreign objects in the nose;
injured mucous membrane, hematomas;
assumption about the development of neoplasms.

Preparation for the procedure
To prepare for the procedure, no special conditions are required, for example, abstinence from food for several hours. The patient must fulfill the minimum requirements:
clothing should be without metal inserts and accessories;
remove makeup from the face (foundation, powder, eyeliner);
remove all jewelry (earrings, piercings);
remove dentures;
take off your glasses.

All foreign objects and coverings on the face interfere with the accuracy of the signal reflection. The entire examination takes no more than 15 minutes and causes virtually no discomfort.
How does the examination take place?
The examination proceeds as follows:
The patient sits down on a chair. The back is straight and vertical, the arms are on the armrests. The head is slightly tilted forward. During the process, the doctor may ask you to tilt it a little back or to the side.
A contact gel is applied to the skin in the nose and paranasal area.
A sensor is attached to the area being examined. As the examination progresses, the specialist moves the sensor from one point to another.
The information collected by the sensor is displayed on the monitor in the form of a graphic image.
A specialist works with the received readings. He describes the result.
Upon completion of the process, the patient receives a conclusion and photographs - printed on a sheet of paper or on electronic media.

If it is necessary to find out whether there is fluid in the sinuses and what boundaries it fills, the patient first takes a horizontal position, face up, and then face down. The final diagnosis is reported by the otolaryngologist after the examination is completed and the results of tests and ultrasound are available.
Features of carrying out for children
Ultrasound of the nasal sinuses is indicated for children over two years of age. At this age, the frontal and maxillary sinuses are subject to examination. The formation of all others occurs before the age of 12.
The ultrasound technique has no special contraindications. It will not cause pain to the child and will not harm his health. Kids and their parents will not have to wait long for the end of the process - the entire procedure from the start of diagnosis to receiving an answer will take no more than half an hour.
The study is prescribed for children with suspected chronic pathologies inside the nasal cavity, colds, and sinusitis. If necessary, health care providers will talk to your child and reassure him or her before the examination.
Interpretation of echosinusoscopy
Diagnostics detects the following conditions:
neoplasms of a malignant or benign nature;
accumulation of pus and fluid in the sinus cavity;
objects of foreign origin in the nasal passages and in the sinus cavity;
polyps, cysts;
fracture of the nasal septum.

Also, based on the results, conclusions are drawn about the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy (if ultrasound is prescribed during treatment). Only a doctor can decipher the result.
Contraindications
Contraindications to the procedure are as follows:
phobias (before visiting the ultrasound specialist’s office, take sedatives for several days);
state of psychosis and exacerbation in severe mental illness;
wounds and abrasions on the area of skin that is to be treated with gel;
acute cardiac, pulmonary, liver failure;
the presence of serious facial injuries in which the person experiences severe pain from touch.

If there is a metal plate in the skull or a pacemaker, you must inform your doctor about this and consult with him about the possibility and conditions of ultrasound diagnostics. In general, the procedure has no special contraindications.
Where is the procedure performed?
The procedure is carried out in municipal public medical institutions and in private paid research medical centers. The main criteria for choosing a place for examination:
the establishment has all the necessary documents and permits to carry out this examination;
satisfactory sanitary condition of the premises where the entire process will take place;
availability of a full set of medical equipment necessary for diagnostics - sensors, monitor, gel;
The procedure should be carried out by competent and experienced specialists whom patients trust.

You need to be careful if you choose a paid institution, and this is not a large medical center that has long earned a good reputation.
Experienced diagnosticians with a diploma do not always work in private offices - before doing an ultrasound, you should make sure of the specialist’s competence!
Price
The cost is made up of the following factors:
quality and versatility of equipment;
status of the medical institution - private or municipal;
research mode - one-dimensional or two-dimensional.

Ultrasound in public clinics is carried out free of charge if the clinic belongs to an enterprise and the patient is an employee of this enterprise. In a municipal clinic the cost is lower and does not exceed 1000 rubles. In paid centers the price can be higher than 1000 rubles. On average, price indicators in government institutions vary from 300 to 1000 rubles, in private ones - from 350 to 3000 rubles.

Ultrasound diagnostics of the sinuses is a safe, operational method of examination. It is accessible to people of any age. Diagnostics helps to collect information about the condition of the sinuses and passages of the nose. Ultrasound examination makes it possible to detect the cause of the disease and timely diagnosis.

Often, ultrasound of the sinuses of the nose in otolaryngology and traumatology is used instead of x-rays. This is a quick, painless and harmless examination. It allows you to see the condition of the upper respiratory tract, a foreign body, and signs of disease development. Instead of standard ultrasound, a type of ultrasound diagnostic is also used - echosinusoscopy. They differ in the method of processing the echo signal.

In children, the paranasal or paranasal sinuses continue to form. Newborns have the ethmoid and maxillary (maxillary) sinuses. After 2 years, ultrasound will show wedge-shaped cavities, and from seven years – frontal cavities. In adolescents from 14 years of age and adults, they will differ in size.

During echosinusoscopy, a scale is displayed on the display. In case of pathology, the device will produce a curved line. On a stationary ultrasound in the paranasal sinuses, gray (hyperechoic) spots are normally visible in the shape of sinuses with a white border on the anterior wall.

An ultrasound examination shows:

thickness, shape of blood vessels, blood flow speed in the lining of the sinuses;
structure of subcutaneous tissue;
size, density of cartilage tissue;
contour line of cavities;
deviations from the norm of structure, echogenicity.

Fractures of the facial bones are better detected by x-rays, and ultrasound is more effective in identifying tumors and other pathologies that develop in the soft tissues of the sinuses. Fluid, pus, and a foreign body are determined in the same way by both types of examination, but ultrasound is not dangerous to the body.

Indications and contraindications for examination

Ultrasound or echosinusoscopy of the nasal sinuses is prescribed in the case of a closed injury to the middle part of the face or a foreign body entering the upper respiratory tract. It is done on infants if birth defects are suspected. Ultrasound diagnostics is used for sinusitis or acute inflammation of other sinuses in order to assess the complexity of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment methods.

The examination is indicated for people regardless of age:

with frequent nosebleeds;
with headaches of unknown cause;
with allergic rhinitis;
with complications of adenoids;
with loss of smell;
with signs of otolaryngological diseases.

Indications for ultrasound are any symptoms of the development of pathologies inside the nose and paranasal sinuses. This is distension in the sinuses, chronic runny nose, pain, purulent discharge, redness of the skin, deterioration in breathing, and other signs.

Ultrasound is contraindicated for wounds, burns, open fractures of the facial bones in the area of the examined sinuses. There are no other restrictions.

Preparing for the examination

No preparation is required before ultrasound examination of the paranasal sinuses. Women go for diagnostics without makeup: foundation, powder or other cosmetics impair the passage of the signal through the epidermis. To ease breathing and relieve symptoms of the disease, doctors prescribe vasoconstrictors and other medications before the procedure.

If an ultrasound of a child’s nose is performed, parents playfully show what the doctor will do. Be sure to reassure and talk about the painlessness of the procedure.

Examination algorithm

In the ultrasound room, a person sits in a chair facing the diagnostician. Glasses or nose piercings must be removed in advance. When examining sinuses in adults, the doctor tells you when you should not move and gives other instructions.

Methodology for examining the paranasal sinuses using ultrasound:

The diagnostician applies a thick layer of gel to the skin in the examined area.
The doctor places the sensor perpendicular to the cheek near the nose or on the bridge of the nose.
The sinus area is scanned on the right, left in a vertical and horizontal position. The patient sits upright, then lies down or tilts his head slightly forward, to the side, or back.
After the examination, the gel is wiped off the face, and the diagnostician draws up a conclusion.

Ultrasound of the sinuses and echosinusoscopy are performed according to the same research algorithm with minor differences. Both procedures last no longer than 20 minutes.

Features of examination of children

It is not advisable for a child under 3 years of age to have an ultrasound examination of the paranasal sinuses. They are scanned if defects of the upper respiratory tract, facial trauma, or foreign body are suspected. Newborns or infants lie down during the procedure, older children sit. For medical reasons, they may be put into medicated sleep.

Ultrasound of the nasal sinuses in children over 14 years of age and in adults is performed using the same technique.

Interpretation of examination results

The protocol is deciphered by the treating ENT specialist. Normally, ultrasound images do not show the posterior and lateral walls of the paranasal sinuses. The echogenicity of the internal space of the cavity should be homogeneous, light gray, the mucosal tissue is layered. Behind the front white line, the echo is initially reflected frequently and then less frequently (reverberation effect).

In the sinuses, ultrasound can reveal a cyst, polyp, hematoma, or tumor of unknown origin. The monitor will show areas with shading if there is inflammation (sinusitis, sinusitis, sinusitis), mucus, pus, or blood accumulation. With tumors, the outline of the cavity will change. In case of disease, the side or back walls also become noticeable.

What pathologies look like on a sinusogram:

inflammation, allergic reaction - the mucous membrane of the sinuses thickens, becomes less dense, there are dark inclusions, effusion or exudate accumulates in the cavity;
effusion (liquid without pus) - a black stripe or spot at the site of accumulation, quickly flows down the wall when the head is tilted;
purulent exudate – the sinus cavity is partially or entirely hypoechoic (dark gray), when changing position the fluid moves smoothly;
cyst - a formation on the wall of the sinus with a hyperechoic membrane and a black cavity that does not move when the head moves;
neoplasm, polyp - a white or gray spot on the wall of various shapes, does not move.

An echosinoscope will show the presence of the same pathologies as an ultrasound of the maxillary sinuses or other sinuses, but does not determine their type. Deviations are shown as curved lines. To clarify the contents of the sinus or the type of tumor, other examination methods are used.

Video diagnosis of sinuses:

Where and how long can sinuses be examined?

The cost of diagnostics is 200–4500 rubles. Upon referral from a doctor, the paranasal sinuses are examined with ultrasound free of charge in hospitals and clinics.

Where can the examination be done and how much does it cost (in rubles):

In the medical centers “Dobromed”, “MedicCity”, “Family Clinic” they do both types of research. Prices for sonography start from 1200 rubles, and diagnostics with an echosinoscope – from 700 rubles.

Ultrasound is an accessible, safe method of examining the sinuses. Children under 7 years of age are prescribed according to indications. Ultrasound diagnostics are performed in any medical institution where this device is available.

Tell us about your experience of examination with an echosinoscope or ultrasound, comment on the article, and share the information on social networks. We wish you well.

Ultrasound is a non-invasive method for diagnosing diseases, which is performed using ultrasonic waves. It is widely used in medical practice when making a diagnosis, including ENT pathologies. Ultrasound for the nose and sinuses differs from other types of ultrasound examinations. This is mainly due to the anatomical feature of this area - due to the high density of the skull bones, it is only possible to visualize the superficial sinuses (the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses are not scanned).

Ultrasound of the nasal area, in other words, echosinusoscopy, is performed using special equipment, sometimes in conjunction with Doppler ultrasound, to study blood flow. The device can be stationary or portable, which is very convenient for conducting research. Before the procedure, the skin is treated with a special gel, which improves the visibility of the visualized areas. The inspection is performed using a sensor. When conducting a detailed examination, the patient's head must be tilted to both sides so as not to leak fluid in the sinuses.

Echosinusoscopy allows you to evaluate:

The nature of cartilage tissue.
Adequacy of blood supply.
Presence of neoplasms.
Development of subcutaneous tissue.
The thickness of the vascular septa.

Subsequently, the received data is decrypted.

This type of examination does not require preliminary preparation from the patient. On average, the procedure lasts about 10 minutes.

Purpose

For ENT pathologies, there are a large number of conditions in which the attending physician recommends that the patient undergo an ultrasound of the sinuses. Below are the main ones:

Change in the shape of the nasal septum.
Traumatic damage to the mucous membrane.
Sinusitis.
Increased secretory function (with an allergic reaction).
Dental pathology.
Identification of formations.
Episodic nosebleeds of unknown origin.
Surgical interventions on ENT organs.

Sinusitis is a serious inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinuses of infectious origin. Depending on the location of the inflammation, they are distinguished: sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis and sphenoiditis. Most often, ultrasound of the nasal sinuses is prescribed for sinusitis. Visualization of the frontal sinuses by ultrasound methods in frontal sinuses is difficult due to the high density of the frontal bone, which impairs the penetration of high-frequency waves.

This diagnosis is not prescribed for the study of deep sinuses due to its low information content. Ultrasound of the maxillary sinuses helps to easily identify fluid accumulated in them and detect a foreign body in the nasal passages. The method is also quite often used to identify cysts and polyps in the paranasal sinuses.

Advantages

The list of positive aspects from the ultrasound method is quite extensive. The main advantages are:

Low cost.
Painlessness.
Get results quickly.
No radiation exposure to the patient's body.
Dynamic observation capabilities.
Simplicity of the research principle.
No contraindications or adverse reactions.
Availability of a Doppler sensor to study blood flow.

Also, ultrasound of the maxillary sinuses is often used to monitor the effectiveness of therapy for ENT pathologies.

Due to the lack of influence on the intrauterine development of the fetus, as well as on children, echosinusoscopy is the most preferred method of examination in women during pregnancy and lactation.

Disadvantages of the method

There are situations when the use of ultrasound examination of the maxillary sinuses is not advisable. This is mainly due to the lower information content of this method in comparison with computed tomography or radiography. That is why, when complications develop, they always resort to highly specialized diagnostic methods (CT, MRI).

Do not forget that ultrasound of the nose is a rather subjective method and its results directly depend on the quality of the device and the skill level of the specialist.

Use in childhood

Ultrasound of the sinuses can be prescribed to a child only from the age of two. This is due to their anatomical and physiological characteristics in children. Changes can only be detected in the maxillary and frontal sinuses; the rest remain unformed until the age of 12. The child is examined in a lying or sitting position; the procedure does not take more than 30 minutes.

Venue, cost

People suffering from ENT diseases are often interested in where they can get an ultrasound of the maxillary sinuses. Currently, this diagnostic method is considered quite accessible. Research can be carried out in private clinics or in public hospitals in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities of the Russian Federation.

The cost of an ultrasound scan of the maxillary sinuses varies from 500 to 1,500 rubles, which is due to the prestige of the chosen clinic and the city in which it is located.