• Rationale and Comments

    Imaging of the paranasal sinuses, including plain film radiography, CT, and MRI, is unnecessary in patients who meet the clinical diagnostic criteria for uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis. Acute rhino-sinusitis is defined as up to four weeks of purulent nasal drainage (anterior, posterior, or both) accompanied by nasal obstruction, facial pain-pressure-fullness, or both. Imaging is costly and may expose patients to radiation. Imaging may be appropriate in patients with a complication of acute rhinosinusitis, patients with comorbidities that predispose them to complications, and patients in whom an alternative diagnosis is suspected.

    Sponsoring Organizations

    • American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation

    Sources

    • American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation practice guidelines

    Disciplines

    • Infectious disease
    • Otolaryngologic

    References

    • Rosenfeld RM, et al. Clinical practice guideline: adult sinusitis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007;137(3 suppl):S1-31.