General Medical Information

Acute Sinusitis

Barbara A. Zeifer

On radiographs, thickening of sinus mucosa alone is specific for neither acute nor chronic inflammatory change. Acutely edematous and hyperemic mucosa is seen as smooth or irregular soft-tissue thickening within the affected sinus cavity. Edema of the nasal turbinates can be associated with this condition; however, thickened turbinate mucosa can represent the natural nasal cycle, and care must be taken not to misinterpret this finding. The presence of an air-fluid level if there has been no recent antral lavage suggests acute inflammation. Bubbling and stranding within the fluid-filled sinus cavity may be seen. Unilateral involvement usually indicates a bacterial or, less commonly, fungal cause.