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What Does Sinuses And Mastoids Grossly Clear Mean In MRI ?
Question: Had an MRI and in the results, what does sinuses and mastoids grossly clear mean.
Brief Answer:
Clear sinuses and mastoids indicate absence of any infection or polyps.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for submitting the inquiry.
If the MRI results reveal clear paranasal sinuses and mastoids, it indicates that there is no infection, no blockage in the sinus opening, and no breakdown of the mastoid bone due to an infection.
Similar to the air bags in a car, the paranasal sinuses of the nose are air-filled cavities located in the skull that serve multiple purposes. When chronic nasal congestion, nasal allergies, or anatomical obstructions clog the sinuses, exudates accumulate, causing headaches and facial pain. In certain individuals, chronic allergies can lead to the development of nasal polyposis, which can clog the sinuses and nasal cavity.
Similarly, the mastoid bone, located behind the ear, might have ventilation problems if the Eustachian tube, which connects the nose and ear, becomes clogged as a result of chronic nasal problems. Hypoventilation and air cell death in the mastoid bone can occur as a result of an infection that sets in the bone due to the Eustachian tube's chronic occlusion.
Thankfully, the mastoid bone and paranasal sinuses are both in good working order.
Please accept my best wishes for your health, and I hope this answers your question.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Clear sinuses and mastoids indicate absence of any infection or polyps.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for submitting the inquiry.
If the MRI results reveal clear paranasal sinuses and mastoids, it indicates that there is no infection, no blockage in the sinus opening, and no breakdown of the mastoid bone due to an infection.
Similar to the air bags in a car, the paranasal sinuses of the nose are air-filled cavities located in the skull that serve multiple purposes. When chronic nasal congestion, nasal allergies, or anatomical obstructions clog the sinuses, exudates accumulate, causing headaches and facial pain. In certain individuals, chronic allergies can lead to the development of nasal polyposis, which can clog the sinuses and nasal cavity.
Similarly, the mastoid bone, located behind the ear, might have ventilation problems if the Eustachian tube, which connects the nose and ear, becomes clogged as a result of chronic nasal problems. Hypoventilation and air cell death in the mastoid bone can occur as a result of an infection that sets in the bone due to the Eustachian tube's chronic occlusion.
Thankfully, the mastoid bone and paranasal sinuses are both in good working order.
Please accept my best wishes for your health, and I hope this answers your question.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2544 Questions
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