A Case of Spontaneous Regression of Nasal Angiofibroma / 대한이비인후과학회지

The angiofibroma is a highly vascular and histologically benign neoplasm that appears predominantly in adolescent males. Although histologically benign, this tumor frequently has characteristic pattern of locally aggressive growth and a tendency toward base of skull and intracranial invasion. The subject of spontaneous regression of angiofibroma has been the topic of several articles discussing its hormonal dependency. Some authors argued that the tendency of this tumor to undergo remission at the time of sexual maturity was possibly due to hormonal influence. A number of recent studies have also dealt with hormonal receptors of angiofibroma tissue. In this study, we report a recent case of spontaneous remission of nasal angiofibroma found in a pregnant woman. For this case, we assumed that hormonal changes related to pregnancy contributed to the involution of this tumor, thus supporting the theory of hormonal influence and the possibility of spontaneous regression.

Sinonasal Infections in Immunocompromised Patients Undergoing Bone Marrow Transplantation / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND: Sinonasal infection is potentially a fatal disease in the immunocompromised patients who are undergoing bone marrow transplantation(BMT). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the incidence, symptoms and signs, risk factors, treatment modalities and the prognostic factors of the sinonasal infections in the immunocompromised BMT patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 235 patients who had received bone marrow transplantation in St. Mary's hospital from December 1983 to August 1995 to determine the clinical features of sinonasal infections in these patients. RESULTS: Forty six patients(19.6%) were affected by sinonasal infections. In 40 patients(17.0%) the infection occurred before BMT. In 11 patients(4.7%), the infection occurred after BMT. Five out of 11 patients(2.1%) had previous sinonasal infections. The most common symptoms and signs were fever and rhinorrhea. Fourteen patients had no discernible symptoms or signs that suggested the presence of sinonasal infection. In our study, patients with previous history of sinonasal infection were more likely to be infected again after BMT. Medical treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics is the initial treatment modality and surgical treatment is indicated in intractable cases. CONCLUSIONS: The immunocompromised BMT patients have high incidence of serious sinonasal infections than normal immunocompetent persons. Early detection and aggressive combined treatment with medical and surgical modalities are essential for the treatment of sinonasal infections in the BMT patients.

A Case of Rathke's Cleft Cyst in the Sphenoid Sinus / 대한이비인후과학회지

Isolated sphenoid sinus disease is difficult to diagnose because of the obscure and nonspecific initial findings of the disease. Because of the complex anatomic relations of the sphenoid, the disease often manifests itself through the neuroophthalmologic complications. We have recently experienced a case of intrasphenoidal symptomatic Rathke's cleft cyst, which was managed by endoscopic transnasal sphenoidotomy approach with good results. The endoscopic approach affords excellent visualization and sufficient exposure of the sinus cavity, and allows easy postoperative inspection of the sphenoid sinus.