The diagnosis of sinusitis by means of the roentgen ray is often uncertain because the shadows cast by pathologic processes can be confused so easily with normal anatomic variations in bony conformation and density. For this reason, it would seem to be of great advantage if the inner surfaces of the lining mucous membranes could be definitely outlined by some opaque substance. Iodized oil 40 per cent has been used for this purpose (Mac Cready1 and Goodyear2), and I think that it offers great possibilities as a diagnostic aid.
Mac Cready and Goodyear used the oil in the maxillary sinus. Both suggest its use in the frontal and sphenoid sinuses, but Goodyear does not think its use practical in the frontal sinus, and he found it necessary to make injections into the sphenoid through the anterior wall. Mac Cready stated that it is necessary to remove a