What Does This MRI Report Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 9 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 9 Nov 2016 Answered on

Wed, 30 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I've been having a feeling that there is pressure behind my nose, and now my nose and sinus area just sort of feels unpleasant and tight. Not necessarily pain. An MRI of my head was done 2 months ago (not looking for sinus problems) and they mentioned on the report that my sinuses looked clear. Is this enough imaging to know that I don't have sinus problems? Or would I need my doctor to specifically order a CT scan to look at my sinuses? Once again, the MRI of my head says "Sinuses appear clear".

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It is enough.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your dilemma, CT scan is often cited as the exam of choice for sinusitis.

However the MRI is perfectly fine for that purpose as well. Each exam has its advantages, MRI is better to see soft tissue inflammation, inflammation of the sinus linings, while CT is better to visualize the bones.

So for the purpose of understanding whether there is inflammation of the sinuses, sinusitis, the MRI is more than enough, with that report I do not think that further imaging is needed for that purpose. Wouldn't recommend CT scan.

I hope to have been of help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar