Computed tomographic findings in atrophic rhinitis.

Computed tomography (CT) has been used increasingly in the assessment of patients with symptoms of sinonasal disease since the introduction of functional endoscopic surgery for the treatment of chronic sinusitis. The association of sinusitis and atrophic rhinitis will inevitably lead to more frequent imaging of patients with atrophic rhinitis. Correct interpretation of the CT appearances of atrophic rhinitis is important as misinterpretation may have serious implications during sinus surgery. These appearances have not been described previously. We describe and discuss the CT findings in three patients with clinical evidence of atrophic rhinitis.