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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does White Maxillary Sinus Mean?

Hi, I recently had an MRI done and overall as far as I can tell my brain seems healthy. I was diagnosed with panic disorder and recently started having spells of dizziness. On my MRI in the right maxillary sinus it appears mostly white. What is this and how concerned should I be? I intend to see my radiologist soon.
Thu, 29 Jan 2015
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

The paranasal sinuses are air passages adjacent in the face region and to the nose. The main function of the paranasal sinuses is to condition the air entering the nose and warm it to body temperature and maintain the humidity. The paranasal air sinuses are 4 in location frontal, maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid. The maxillary sinuses are one on either side of the nose. On MRI of brain, the maxillary sinuses are also seen.

In your MRI brain scan, there appears to be white appearance in the right maxillary sinus on T 2 sequence. This means there is some fluid collection in the sinus. This is a completely benign condition and not a serious concern. It can cause slight discomfort like nose block and pain on the side of the face. These can be treated with medications. The opening of the maxillary sinus might be blocked and that is the reason for retention of secretions. Please do not worry.
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What Does White Maxillary Sinus Mean?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. The paranasal sinuses are air passages adjacent in the face region and to the nose. The main function of the paranasal sinuses is to condition the air entering the nose and warm it to body temperature and maintain the humidity. The paranasal air sinuses are 4 in location frontal, maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid. The maxillary sinuses are one on either side of the nose. On MRI of brain, the maxillary sinuses are also seen. In your MRI brain scan, there appears to be white appearance in the right maxillary sinus on T 2 sequence. This means there is some fluid collection in the sinus. This is a completely benign condition and not a serious concern. It can cause slight discomfort like nose block and pain on the side of the face. These can be treated with medications. The opening of the maxillary sinus might be blocked and that is the reason for retention of secretions. Please do not worry.