MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING OF THE PARANASAL SINUSES IN DIVERS

Background: CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) frequently reveal asymptomatic paranasal sinus mucosal hypertrophy in the general popula tion. Hypothesis: Divers can suffer aymptomatic paranasal sinus mucosa l injury secondary to barotrauma. Methods: We examined 20 professional divers by MRI and compared them to 20 normal controls. Paranasal sinu s mucosal hypertrophy was defined as mucosal thickening of 3 mm or gre ater. Results: Nine divers had paranasal sinus mucosal hypertrophy vs. four controls (p = 0.09). There was no significant relationship betwe en paranasal sinus hypertrophy and age, diving history, alcohol consum ption, or smoking. Conclusion: Divers had a tendency toward paranasal sinus mucosal hypertrophy.