The major obstructive inflammatory patterns of the sinonasal region seen on screening sinus computed tomography.

In conclusion, inflammatory sinonasal disease can be conveniently grouped into five distinct radiological patterns, each with a different therapeutic course and surgical options. A more precise interpretation of SSCT scans is rendered when inflammatory sinonasal disease is categorized into these distinct radiological patterns. The three obstructive patterns occur due to dysfunction of the mucociliary drainage routes of the paranasal sinuses and result in specific diagnostic patterns that are recognizable on coronal SSCT examinations. When one of the three obstructive patterns is identified, detailed attention can be directed to the likely site of occlusion, with possible definition of a specific etiology. A detailed road map of relevant surgical anatomy and pathology is then available for the endoscopic surgeon. This road map can then be used for a more directed and specific functional endoscopic sinonasal surgery. This results in improved patient care and surgical result.