HRCT (High Resolution CT Scan) PNS

A CT scan of the paranasal sinuses (CT PNS) is used to evaluate sinus disease, persistent or recurrent sinusitis, nasal polyps and chronic nasal obstruction. It maps sinus anatomy before functional endoscopic sinus surgery, detects complications (orbital or intracranial extension), shows bone erosion or fractures after facial trauma, and helps identify tumors or anatomic variants that cause obstruction.

A high-resolution CT (HRCT) scan of the nose and paranasal sinuses (PNS) is a noninvasive X‑ray imaging test that produces thin-slice, high-detail images of sinus anatomy. It evaluates mucosal disease, sinus opacification, bone detail, anatomical variants (e.g., septal deviation, concha bullosa), fractures, polyps, and tumors, and helps guide preoperative planning for endoscopic sinus surgery.

A high-resolution CT (HRCT) chest is a specialised CT scan that produces detailed images of the lungs and airways. It’s used to detect and characterise interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis, emphysema, small nodules or infections, and to evaluate unexplained breathlessness or chronic cough. HRCT helps stage disease, guide treatment, and monitor progression or response to therapy.

A CT PNS (paranasal sinuses) scan is fast: image acquisition usually takes about 5–10 minutes. Including registration, positioning and brief clinical questions, the whole visit typically lasts 15–30 minutes. No special preparation is required for a non-contrast study. Preliminary images are available immediately; formal reports are often issued within hours to a few days depending on the imaging center.

PNS in a CT scan refers to the paranasal sinuses — the air-filled cavities (maxillary, frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid) around the nose. A CT PNS evaluates sinus anatomy, air–fluid levels and bone to detect sinusitis, mucosal thickening, polyps, obstruction, fractures, tumors and anatomical variants. It’s commonly used for diagnosis, treatment planning and preoperative assessment.

During a PNS CT scan you’ll lie still on a table that slides through the scanner while the technologist operates from a nearby console. The scan itself takes about 5–15 minutes; you may be asked to hold your breath briefly. Remove metal jewelry; you might receive an IV contrast dye (brief warm sensation or metallic taste). It’s painless, low radiation; results are reviewed by a radiologist and reported afterward. Inform staff about pregnancy or allergies.