Incidental sinus findings in brain MRI for suspected intracranial disease

Abstract

Introduction: The incidental finding of a paranasal sinus (PNS) abnormality on imaging may lead to early detection of sinus pathologies. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable tool for evaluation of the PNSs. Objectives: The objectives were to determine the prevalence, site, and type of abnormalities in the PNSs of a Nigerian population who had brain MRI for suspected intracranial disease and unrelated sinus disease. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design was adopted for this study. Radiology request forms, images, and reports of consecutive patients referred for brain MRI for suspected intracranial disease from January 2018 to December 2019 were studied. Abnormalities detected were complete mucosal opacification, mucosal thickening, collection with air–fluid level, and retention cyst/polyp. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows version 22.0 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Four hundred and seventy-nine patients were referred for brain MRI between January 2018 and December 2019. The prevalence of sinus abnormality detected incidentally was 26.7%. The maxillary sinus was the most frequently involved sinus. Fluid collection with air–fluid level was the most common abnormality. There was no significant relationship between the sinus abnormalities with age and sex. Conclusions: The prevalence rate of abnormal sinus findings on brain MRI is 26.7% in this study, buttressing that morphological changes in the PNSs are frequently encountered incidentally on imaging; hence, there is a need to obtain a relevant history of sinus pathology from patients undergoing brain imaging to aid prompt diagnosis of subclinical sinus disease and achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.