Adenoids in adults: a rare cause of nasal obstruction

ABSTRACT

To determine whether the enlarged adenoids is a cause of nasal obstruction in adults. Case-series study of six adult patients suffering from nasal obstruction were found to have enlarged adenoids. The diagnosis was made in different times, some were diagnosed preliminary by complete ear, nose and throat examination and lateral skull radiography, others by accidental finding during operations for septal and sinuses pathology, for the above patients adenoidectomy was performed and the diagnosis was supported by histopathological study revealing adenoids tissue. The remaining one patient, excisional biopsy was done for a postnasal space mass diagnosed as angiofibroma by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the nasopharynx. Out of six patients aged between 18-35 years with enlarged adenoids, two patients were suspected preoperatively, another three patients a mass were found accidentally during operations for septal and sinuses pathology. The remaining one patient, excisional biopsy was performed for the postnasal space mass diaonosed as angiofibroma. Four patients out of the total number had evidence of allergic rhinitis. Although it is rare, enlarged adenoids should be considered in the differential diagnosis of adults suffering from nasal obstruction