Purpose: To evaluate the clinical value of X ray lateral cephalogram in the measurement of adenoids in children.
Methods: 45 cases (aged from 3 to 13 year old) with adenoid hypertrophy suspected clinically were examined with lateral cephalometric projections, of which 40 cases were examined with lateral nasopharyngeal projections at one time. Then the quality of films were appraisal and the adenoids were measured on the film. Student's X(2) test was used for statistics analysis.
Results: X ray lateral cephalogram can distinctly reveal the structure of nasopharynx. The method was simply and reproducible. The quality of the films were determined based on the conjunction between the base of the pterygoid plate and extracranial aspect of the occipital slope, with consideration of the mandibular margin and sphenoid saddle. The conjunction should be clearly demonstrated and the edges of the mandibular margin and sphenoid saddle should be sharp and well demarcated in qualified films. 45 cases were examined with lateral cephalometric projections, 34 cases had standard films, accounting for 76%. 40 cases were examined with lateral nasopharyngeal projections, 21 had standard films, accounting for 53%. The quality of X ray lateral cephalogram was significantly better than lateral nasopharyngeal projections (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Compared with the routine lateral nasopharyngeal projection, lateral nasopharyngeal cephalogram has images of high quality, is better for showing the nasopharyngeal structures as well as measurement of the adenoids with parenchyma. It is the imaging method of choice for children with OSAHS.