BACKGROUND: Advances in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology have allowed for reduction in radiation dosages as well as the miniaturization of CT scanner units. This has given rise to new applications for CT scanning, including point-of-care (POC) in-office and intraoperative applications. METHODS: A review of recent changes to radiological modalities as applied to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery was performed. A discussion of the physics, applications, and role of diagnostic imaging in the evaluation of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is conducted. RESULTS: The adaptation of cone beam technology has allowed for the practical implementation of CT scanning at the bedside, be it in the clinic or operating room setting. CONCLUSION: Given their relative low cost, ease of storage, and low-dose radiation exposure, POC-CT scanners have become an indispensable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of CRS. In the setting of increasing antibiotic costs, overtreatment with antibiotics, and fewer required return visits, POC-CT challenges the conventional role of empiric medical therapy before progression to imaging for the diagnosis of CRS.
BACKGROUND: Advances in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology have allowed for reduction in radiation dosages as well as the miniaturization of CT scanner units. This has given rise to new applications for CT scanning, including point-of-care (POC) in-office and intraoperative applications. METHODS: A review of recent changes to radiological modalities as applied to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery was performed. A discussion of the physics, applications, and role of diagnostic imaging in the evaluation of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is conducted. RESULTS: The adaptation of cone beam technology has allowed for the practical implementation of CT scanning at the bedside, be it in the clinic or operating room setting. CONCLUSION: Given their relative low cost, ease of storage, and low-dose radiation exposure, POC-CT scanners have become an indispensable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of CRS. In the setting of increasing antibiotic costs, overtreatment with antibiotics, and fewer required return visits, POC-CT challenges the conventional role of empiric medical therapy before progression to imaging for the diagnosis of CRS.
Authors: Marcin Fraczek; Maciej Guzinski; Monika Morawska-Kochman; Kamil H Nelke; Tomasz Krecicki Journal: Dentomaxillofac Radiol Date: 2016-10-17 Impact factor: 2.419
Authors: Joy Hsu; Jennifer A Pacheco; Whitney W Stevens; Maureen E Smith; Pedro C Avila Journal: Am J Rhinol Allergy Date: 2014 Mar-Apr Impact factor: 2.467