Nontraumatic emergencies of inflammatory paranasal sinus disease

Inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinuses is extremely common and the course is often innocuous. However, when extrasinus spread of disease occurs life-threatening complications can arise. Intraorbital and intracranial involvement can progress rapidly either by hematogenous spread or in the case of fungal sinusitis via angioinvasion. An understanding of anatomy and appropriate imaging protocols is critical when these complications arise. The knowledge of imaging features of the different disease processes and prompt diagnosis is essential to improve patient outcomes and positively impact patient care.