A patient comes to radiology for a sinus series on a cart (gurney).She is unable to stand or sit erect for any of the projections.Which of the following projections will best detect any air/fluid levels present in the maxillary sinuses?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The horizontal beam lateral projection is the best choice for detecting air/fluid levels present in the maxillary sinuses when the patient is unable to stand or sit erect. This projection allows gravity to pull any fluid in the sinuses downward, making it visible on the radiograph. The PA projection would be difficult to perform on a patient lying on their back, and the parietoacanthial and parietoacanthial transoral projections would not provide enough visualization of the maxillary sinuses.

A Patient Comes to Radiology for a Sinus Series on a Cart