RADIOLOGIC STUDY OF THE MAXILLARY SINUSITIS

상악동염의 방사선학적 연구

Radiographic features of maxillary sinusitis, types of mucosal thickening, types of bony wall change, and relationship between the radiographic features and symptoms of patients were observed and classified in the Waters' view of 360 patients with 441 maxillary sinuses demonstrating radiologic changes. And the classification of antral floor and pathologic change was observed in the 154 periapi- cal films. Finally, the value of orthopantomography in the diagnosis of maxillary sinusitis was evaluated in the 138 cases, The obtained results were as followings. 1. Among 441 maxillary sinuses examined by Waters' projection, mucosal thickening was seen in 56.7% and generalized opacification was seen in 36.3%. 2. Among 270 mucosal thickenings classified 8 types, overall regularly thickened type was the highest in incidence (36.3%). 3. Bony wall change was seen in 35.6% of all cases and the indistinct white line of the cortical plates was the highest in incidence (78.2%) among the 6 types. 4. Pain (41.9%) and pus discharge (21.0%) were the most frequent symptoms. And pus discharge, foul odor, and headache was more prevalent in type of generalized opacification than any other types. 5. Regular pneumatization involving all roots of premolars and molars was the highest in incidence (55.0%). The first molar presented the most frequent involvement (61.0%). 6. In orthopantomography, 46.4% showed apparent increased radiopacity and 23.9% showed suspicious increased radiopacity in comparison to Waters' projection.