Chronic inflammatory sinonasal diseases including fungal infections. The role of imaging.

The computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques used for evaluating the paranasal sinuses and nasal fossae are reviewed. A summary of the physics concepts relating to the MR signal intensities observed with sinonasal secretions is given, as is a review of normal secretions and the pathophysiologic changes in the secretions that occur with chronic infections. The imaging findings of sinonasal chronic infections, mucoceles, fungal diseases, and granulomatous diseases are then presented, and a recommended imaging protocol is given.