BACKGROUND: CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) frequently reveal asymptomatic paranasal sinus mucosal hypertrophy in the general population. HYPOTHESIS: Divers can suffer asymptomatic paranasal sinus mucosal injury secondary to barotrauma. METHODS: We examined 20 professional divers by MRI and compared them to 20 normal controls. Paranasal sinus mucosal hypertrophy was defined as mucosal thickening of 3 mm or greater. RESULTS: Nine divers had paranasal sinus mucosal hypertrophy vs. four controls (p = 0.09). There was no significant relationship between paranasal sinus hypertrophy and age, diving history, alcohol consumption, or smoking. CONCLUSION: Divers had a tendency toward paranasal sinus mucosal hypertrophy.
BACKGROUND: CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) frequently reveal asymptomatic paranasal sinus mucosal hypertrophy in the general population. HYPOTHESIS: Divers can suffer asymptomatic paranasal sinus mucosal injury secondary to barotrauma. METHODS: We examined 20 professional divers by MRI and compared them to 20 normal controls. Paranasal sinus mucosal hypertrophy was defined as mucosal thickening of 3 mm or greater. RESULTS: Nine divers had paranasal sinus mucosal hypertrophy vs. four controls (p = 0.09). There was no significant relationship between paranasal sinus hypertrophy and age, diving history, alcohol consumption, or smoking. CONCLUSION: Divers had a tendency toward paranasal sinus mucosal hypertrophy.
Authors: Theodoros Skevas; Ingo Baumann; Thomas Bruckner; Nick Clifton; Peter K Plinkert; Christoph Klingmann Journal: Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol Date: 2011-09-08 Impact factor: 2.503