Benefits and Risks- Sinus CT Scan

Benefits

• Sinus CT scan is a convenient and noninvasive way of evaluating problems in the nasal passages and sinuses.
• The exam takes little time and is painless and accurate.
• Sinus CT scan is the most reliable imaging technique for determining if the sinuses are obstructed. It is also the best imaging modality for sinusitis.
• No radiation remains in a patient's body after a CT examination.
• X-rays used in standard CT scans have no immediate side effects.
• Sinus CT scanning is less sensitive to patient movement than other imaging.

Risks

• There are some riskas associated with any exposure to radiation. However, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis at the lowest possible dose will generally outweigh the risk.
• The effective radiation dose for this procedure varies.
• Women should always inform SMIL if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.
• CT scanning is, in general, not recommended for pregnant women unless medically necessary because of potential risk to the baby.