Leiomyosarcoma of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses / 대한이비인후과학회지

Leiomyosarcoma is an uncommon tumor of smooth-muscle origin, and has rarely been described in reference to the head and neck region. There have been 30 previously reported cases of this tumor involving the sinonasal tract in the literature. We present a case of leiomyosarcoma involving the nasal cavity, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinus. We also review here the characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of this tumor.

Distribution of Neuropeptides in Nasal Polyp and Polypoid Mucosa / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of nasal polyp is not well understood, however the common pathway of nasal polyp formation is tissue edema. Factors that are known to predispose tissue edema include histamine, arachidonic acid metabolites, serotonin and peptidergic neuro-transmitters. OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the pathophysiological roles of peptidergic neurotransmitters on the polyp formation, we investigated the distribution of several immunoreactive nerve fibers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained normal middle turbinate mucosa, edematous middle turbinate mucosa, polypoid middle turbinate mucosa and nasal polyp tissue from 5 patients at the time of surgery and we determined the distribution of substance P(SP) immunoreactive, vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP) immunoreactive and neuropeptide-Y(NPY) immunoreactive nerve fibers in the above tissues using avidin-biotin complex(ABC) immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: Fine varicose peptidergic nerve fibers were found numerously in normal mucosa and they were decreased in number in the edematous mucosa. However the peptidergic nerve fibers were hardly found in the polypoid mucosa and the pedicle of polyp, and no nerve fibers were found in the apex of polyp except VIP-immunoreactive nerve fibers. CONCLUSION: Decreasing tendency of distribution of these peptidergic nerve fibers in the order of edematous mucosa, polypoid mucosa, and polyp may indicate the denervation of autonomic nervous system. These phenomenon suggests the important role of peptidergic neurotransmitters in the early stage of polyp formation. However, once the polyp has been formed, contribution of the peptidergic neurotransmitters is considered to be negligible.

A Case of Nasal Septal Perforation Due to Alkaline Disc Battery as a Nasal Foreign Body / 대한이비인후과학회지

Due to the common use of alkaline disc batteries(e.g. watches, electronic toys and games, calculators, cameras) physicians and the general public should be more aware of this battery foreign body and the peculiarities in their management. Alkaline disc batteries as foreign bodies in the nasal cavities are extremely rare but dangerous because they can cause liquefaction necrosis with subsequent severe local tissue destruction. Batteries found in the nasal cavities should be removed immediately to prevent sequelae such as septal perforations or nasal stenosis. We recently experienced a case of 4-year-old boy who revealed necrotic perforation of nasal septum which was exposed directly to a alkaline disc battery for 20 hours and the special aspects of these foreign body is discussed.