A diagnostic method of the chronic maxillary sinusitis by the x-ray mucous membrane function test (X.M.F.T.)

Abstract

The X-ray Mucous Membrane Funct ion T es t (X. M. F. T. ) is a method of evaluating the functional capac it y of the ci li ated epi t helium of t he mUCG lI S me rr'l brane of the sinus and grade of patho lo gical changes in the tunica propria by demonstrating the images cast by the contrast material (2.5 cc of 20% moljodo l) injected into the maxillary sinus. This method is essentiall y different fro m the conventional simple X-ray studies, because it is able to observe presence and chracter of the contents within the sinus cavity and also to visualize the sinus orifice and extrasinus structuresThe authors performed a modified X -ray Mucous Membrane Function Test (central ray was directed 15' cauded in erect lateral view) to the patient in whom chronic maxill ary sinusitis was suspected clinically during the period of 7 months from February 1975 to August 1975The results obtained were as follows:1. A total number of the patient received X. M. F. T. was 90 and sex distribution was 54 (60%) males and 36 (40%) females. Most of the patient (82.2% ) was distributed in 11-40 years of age and peak incidence (40% ) was in 11 -20 years of age.2. Among a total of 90 patient, bilatera l X. M. F. T. was performed in 75 patient and unilateral in 15 patient. In a sum of 165 maxillary s inuses, 79 cases (47.88 %) were on the right side and 86 cases (52. 12 %) were on the lef t side.3. Takahashi' s classification of moljodol X-ray images, i. e. A) complete diffusely spread type, B) incomplete diffusely spread type, C) spotted type, D) diffuse loca lized transitional type, E) localized type , F) scattered type were observed in our cases. But we recognized G) non fi !l ing type, which T akahashi did not m ention. It was due to seve r e chronic maxillary sinusitis, extensive