Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Benign Paranasal Sinus Lesions

Purpose: In this study, contrubitions of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were researched in the diagnosis of benign paranasal sinüs (PNS) lesions. Materials and methods: According to the clinical findings, between January 2001 – February 2004, 30 cases have been studied who were thought to have benign lesions belonging to nasal cavity, PNS or neighboring structures. CT and MRI studies are made to the all case. Inner structure characteristics, locations and radiological apperarances coursing pathological diagnosis of lesions in CT and MRI have been assessed. Results: The histopathological diagnoses of lesions were mucocele (8), odontogenic cysts (4), fibrous dysplasia (3), inverted papilloma (2), hemangioma (2), menengioma (2), schwannoma, osteoma, osteochondroma, paget disease, ameloblastom, giant cell tumor, central giant cell granuloma. Whwn assessed according to pathological results, sensitivity of CT and MRI were found to be 86.6% and 83.3% respectively. In 3 cases showing radiological malign feature (1 giant cell tumor, 2 inverted papillomas) the correct diagnosis was made histopathologically. Canclusion: CT is an effective method to show bone expansion and destructions, tumors originated from bone and intratumoral calcifications. MRI offers better the inner structures of cystic lesions, intratumoral hemorhages and differentiation of tumor from inflammation. Therefore, CT and MRI should be used jointly in the evaluation of the PNS lesions.