Update on sinonasal imaging: anatomy and inflammatory disease

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery, now the standard of care for surgical treatment of chronic and recurrent sinusitis, has changed current concepts of sinus health and disease. Interpretation of the CT scan must reflect this focus on anatomy and function. This article seeks to provide a clear understanding of sinonasal drainage. The normal frontal recess, ostiomeatal unit, and sphenoethmoid recess are considered along with the anatomic variations that distort their appearance and predispose the patient to developing sinus disease. The spectrum of uncomplicated and complicated sinonasal inflammatory disease is discussed.