PNEUMATIZATION OF THE PARANASAL SINUSES - NORMAL FEATURES OF IMPORTANCE TO THE ACCURATE INTERPRETATION OF CT-SCANS AND MR IMAGES

CT and MR imaging of the paranasal sinuses in infants and children rev eal a spectrum of findings associated with the normal pneumatization p rocess, both inside the sinus cavities and in the adjacent marrow spac es. These normal findings must be understood and recognized so that CT scans and MR images may be accurately interpreted. If such normal dev elopmental radiologic findings are not appreciated, misinterpretation may occur and lead to inappropriate treatment. In this pictorial essay , the normal process of pneumatization for each paranasal sinus group will be described from the first stages of the process to its completi on. CT scans and MR images will illustrate the range of normal radiolo gic findings associated with the developmental process, with emphasis placed on the types of findings that, although normal, create potentia l interpretive difficulties.