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understanding mri results
I just got a copy of my mri results, it was done to rule out cervical entrappment. Finding of cervical spine was normal, but also noted was left sphenoid sinus fluid. What is sphenoid sinus fluid, it this normal? I have had brain mri in the past which stated sinus diease. My doctor did not seemed concerned with that finding. Another doctor thinks that I Kartargener's syndrome because of my situs inverus totalis. I have not seen an ent for the diagnosis of Kartarger's.
So should I be worried about the fluid in my sphenoid sinus and what problems could arise if this is an abnormal finding?
Thanks
Answer:
understanding mri results
I just got a copy of my mri results, it was done to rule out cervical entrappment. Finding of cervical spine was normal, but also noted was left sphenoid sinus fluid. What is sphenoid sinus fluid, it this normal? I have had brain mri in the past which stated sinus diease. My doctor did not seemed concerned with that finding. Another doctor thinks that I Kartargener's syndrome because of my situs inverus totalis. I have not seen an ent for the diagnosis of Kartarger's.
So should I be worried about the fluid in my sphenoid sinus and what problems could arise if this is an abnormal finding?
Thanks
Dr. Joshua,
Can you give me any insight to my to question as quoted above?
Answer:
Understanding MRI: Sphenoid sinus fluid on MRI
Chronic sinusitis is a feature of Kartagener syndrome, which also includes situs inversus (major organs are mirrored from their normal positions) and bronchiectasis (enlarging of the respiratory passages, causing lower respiratory infections).
An MRI finding of fluid in the sphenoid sinus is consistent with Kartagener syndrome and may suggest chronic sinusitis. In patients with Kartagener syndrome, such radiological findings are the rule - there is usually some swelling and fluid in the sinuses, so it is not cause for alarm. However, it is worth checking with your doctor whether antibiotic treatment should be administered, especially if you have symptoms of sinusitis.
Here's some more info on Kartagener syndrome and situs inversus from the Wikipedia:
About 25% of individuals with situs inversus have an underlying condition known as primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). PCD is a dysfunction of the cilia that manifests itself during the embryologic phase of development. Normally-functioning cilia determine the position of the internal organs during early embryological development, and so individuals with PCD have a 50% chance of developing situs inversus. If they do, they are said to have Kartagener syndrome, characterized by the triad of situs inversus, chronic sinusitis, and bronchiectasis. Cilia are also responsible for clearing mucus from the lung, and the dysfunction causes increased susceptibility to lung infections. Male sufferers of PCD are often infertile: the cilia that make up the tail of individual sperm cells are also defective, thus rendering the sperm ineffective.
Answer:
abw15
Thank you Dr. Joshua-Re: Understanding MRI: Sphenoid sinus fluid on MRI
Thank you Dr Joshua for answering my question. I have found it hard to get a doctor who knows or understands medical issues I have with SIT. Most doctors I have encountered are just curious with no real knowledge.
I will take your advice and seek a knowledgable ENT.