Rhinosinusitis in north-eastern Nigeria: computerized tomographic scan findings

Background: Computed tomographic scan (CT) is a useful imaging modality for infection of the paranasal sinuses. Method: Retrospective study of 52 patients seen with evidence of rhinosinusitis on CT scan of the paranasal sinuses. Results: There was a male preponderance with a M: F ratio of 1.7:1 ad age range 9 – 63 years. Mucosal thickening (80.2%) and engorged turbinates (65.4%) were the most common findings on CT; while the maxillary sinuses was the most affected sinus and the sphenoid the least. There was no intracranial complication noted. However, 9.6% of the patients had orbital complications. Conclusion: CT scan has confirmed the absence of life threatening intracranial complications and clearly defined the extent if the disease. Key Words: CT Scan, Rhinosinusitis, North-Eastern Nigerians. Nigerian Journal of Surgical Research Vol.5(1&2) 2003: 110-113