Question
A 45-year-old male was admitted with respiratory distress. CT image showed a nasal polyp with fluid collection in the sinus. Which of the following drainage is obstructed?
| A. |
Ethmoidal sinus
|
| B. |
Sphenoidal sinus
|
| C. |
Frontal sinus
|
| D. |
Maxillary sinus
|
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer � D
Explanation
|
|
– The CT shows a coronal view of the paranasal sinuses.
– There is fluid (opacification) in the maxillary sinus, indicating sinusitis.
– A nasal polyp obstructs the maxillary sinus drainage.
– The maxillary sinus lies inferior to the orbits on this image.
Anatomy:
– Maxillary sinus drains into the middle meatus via the osteomeatal complex (OMC).
– Nasal polyps or inflammation can block the OMC → secretion retention, infection, fluid buildup.
– The maxillary sinus is the most commonly involved sinus in sinusitis.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
– Ethmoidal sinus: located medially between the eyes; opacification appears higher and medial, unlike here.
– Sphenoidal sinus: lies posterior-inferior to sella turcica; not seen here and rarely blocked by polyps.
– Frontal sinus: above orbits; clear in this image; pathology is below the orbit, consistent with maxillary sinus.
