Paranasal sinus radiology, Part 2B: ethmoidal sinuses.

The clinician must have a high level of suspicion in order to detect ethmoidal sinus disease. Survey plain film radiographic examination may provide information about gross changes in ethmoidal sinus transparency and the sinus walls. Conventional tomographic study will often aid evaluation of the ethmoidal sinus walls which may be obscured by overlying structures on plain films. Computerized tomography adds a new dimension to ethmoidal sinus study. By revealing not only bone changes but soft-tissue abnormality as well, more complete understanding of the disease process is gained. Computerized tomography is particularly useful in evaluating orbital structural change due to ethmoidal sinus abnormality.