Background and Objectives：This study was designed to investigate the difference between clinical and pathophysiologic recovery by comparing the recovery periods in the rabbit sinusitis model. Materials and Method：A synthetic sponge was inserted into the right-side nasal cavities of 15 rabbits. After 2 weeks, the maxillary sinusitis was induced and confirmed by computed tomography (CT) scan. The opacification in CT scan was graded, and the mucosa was harvested from the maxillary sinus. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was measured for evaluating mucosal function. Light microscopic, scanning and transmission electron microscopic (SEM & TEM) examinations were performed. Histopathologic findings in microscopic examinations were scored in a semiquantitative measure. Each examination was performed at the time of re-opening of maxillary sinus ostium, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after re-opening of maxillary sinus ostium. Results：The sinus opacification in CT scan and ciliary regeneration in SEM showed significant improvement 8 weeks after re-opening of maxillary sinus ostium. But CBF, tissue inflammation score and ciliary wave disorder were not improved significantly 8 weeks after re-opening of maxillary sinus ostium. Conclusion：Clinical, functional and histopathologic recoveries from sinusitis require different periods of time. Incomplete functional and histopathologic recoveries can be the cause of relapse or recurrence of sinusitis. Therefore, close follow-up will be necessary after clinical resolution of sinusitis. (Korean J Otolaryngol 2007;50:512-8)

Background and Objectives：This study was designed to investigate the difference between clinical and pathophysiologic recovery by comparing the recovery periods in the rabbit sinusitis model. Materials and Method：A synthetic sponge was inserted into the right-side nasal cavities of 15 rabbits. After 2 weeks, the maxillary sinusitis was induced and confirmed by computed tomography (CT) scan. The opacification in CT scan was graded, and the mucosa was harvested from the maxillary sinus. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was measured for evaluating mucosal function. Light microscopic, scanning and transmission electron microscopic (SEM & TEM) examinations were performed. Histopathologic findings in microscopic examinations were scored in a semiquantitative measure. Each examination was performed at the time of re-opening of maxillary sinus ostium, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after re-opening of maxillary sinus ostium. Results：The sinus opacification in CT scan and ciliary regeneration in SEM showed significant improvement 8 weeks after re-opening of maxillary sinus ostium. But CBF, tissue inflammation score and ciliary wave disorder were not improved significantly 8 weeks after re-opening of maxillary sinus ostium. Conclusion：Clinical, functional and histopathologic recoveries from sinusitis require different periods of time. Incomplete functional and histopathologic recoveries can be the cause of relapse or recurrence of sinusitis. Therefore, close follow-up will be necessary after clinical resolution of sinusitis. (Korean J Otolaryngol 2007;50:512-8)

Maxillary sinusitis· Rabit· Cilia· Computed tomography· Microscopy electron.