Otorhinolaryngological findings in a group of patients with rheumatic diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Otorhinolaryngological manifestations of rheumatologic diseases represent a great challenge not only to the generalistphysician but also to the ENT doctor andrheumatologist. They often represent early manifestations of an autoimmune disorder which requires prompt and aggressive immunosuppressive treatment. Auditory, nasal, laryngeal and eye symptoms can be the first manifestation of rheumatic diseases and their proper assessment helps the doctor to identify signs of disease activity. The objective of this study is to identify the ENT manifestations in patients with rheumatic diseases in a high complexity hospital, regarding facilitating an early diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: We performed clinical and complete otorhinolaryngological evaluations in patients selected from the outpatient rheumatology in a standardized manner by the use of a standardized form filling during the secondhalf of 2010. RESULTS: In the study group, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients had predominantly laryngeal manifestations, while patients with Sjögren's syndrome showed a higher prevalence of otologic manifestations. Changes in audiometric tests were found in 53% of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) patients, 80% of relapsing polychondritis (RP), 33% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 50% of Churg-Strauss syndrome (SCS). Regarding nasal alterations, these were found so prevalent in all conditions, especially Churg-Strauss syndrome. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that most patients treated in our hospital has the ENT signs and symptoms commonly associated in previous studies on rheumatic diseases, but further studies with a larger number of patients must be made to establish such relations.

Achados otorrinolaringológicos em um grupo de pacientes com doenças reumatológicas / Otorhinolaryngological findings in a group of patients with rheumatic diseases

Introdução: As manifestações otorrinolaringológicas de doenças reumáticas representam um grande desafio não só ao médico generalista, mas também ao otorrinolaringologista e ao reumatologista. Frequentemente representam manifestações iniciais de uma desordem autoimune que exige um tratamento imunossupressor imediato e agressivo. Sintomas auditivos, nasais, laríngeos e oculares podem ser a primeira manifestação de doenças reumáticas, e sua correta avaliação auxilia o médico a identificar sinais de atividade da doença. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar as manifestações otorrinolaringológicas em pacientes com doenças reumáticas em um hospital de alta complexidade, no que se refere a facilitar diagnóstico e tratamento precoces. Métodos: Foram realizadas avaliações clínicas e otorrinolaringológicas completas em pacientes selecionados no ambulatório de reumatologia, no segundo semestre do ano de 2010, de forma padronizada e com utilização de um formulário de preenchimento normatizado. Resultados: No grupo estudado, pacientes com LES apresentaram predominantemente manifestações laríngeas, enquanto pacientes com síndrome de Sjögren apresentaram predomínio das manifestações otológicas (100% dos casos). As alterações de exames audiométricos são encontradas em 53% dos casos portadores de GW, 80% de PR, 33% de LES e 50% de SCS. Quanto às alterações nasais, estas foram encontradas de forma prevalente em todas as patologias, principalmente a síndrome de Churg-Strauss. Discussão e conclusão: Este estudo demonstrou que a maioria dos pacientes em seguimento em nosso serviço apresenta os sinais e sintomas otorrinolaringológicos comumente relacionados em ...

Introduction: Otorhinolaryngological manifestations of rheumatologic diseases represent a great challenge not only to the generalistphysician but also to the ENT doctor andrheumatologist. They often represent early manifestations of an autoimmune disorder which requires prompt and aggressive immunosuppressive treatment. Auditory, nasal, laryngeal and eye symptoms can be the first manifestation of rheumatic diseases and their proper assessment helps the doctor to identify signs of disease activity. The objective of this study is to identify the ENT manifestations in patients with rheumatic diseases in a high complexity hospital, regarding facilitating an early diagnosis and treatment. Methods: We performed clinical and complete otorhinolaryngological evaluations in patients selected from the outpatient rheumatology in a standardized manner by the use of a standardized form filling during the secondhalf of 2010. Results: In the study group, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients had predominantly laryngeal manifestations, while patients with Sjögren's syndrome showed a higher prevalence of otologic manifestations. Changes in audiometric tests were found in 53% of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) patients, 80% of relapsing polychondritis (RP), 33% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 50% of Churg-Strauss syndrome (SCS). Regarding nasal alterations, these were found so prevalent in all conditions, especially Churg-Strauss syndrome. Discussion and conclusion: This study demonstrated that most patients treated in our hospital has the ENT signs and symptoms commonly associated in previous studies on rheumatic diseases, but further studies with a larger number of patients must be made to establish such relations. .

Manifestaciones otorrinolaringológicas de la granulomatosis de Wegener / Otolaryngological manifestations of Wegener's disease

Introducción: La granulomatosis de Wegener (GW) se caracteriza por una vasculitis granulomatosa de vías aéreas y glomerulonefritis. Desde su primera descripción han surgido importantes avances para su diagnóstico y tratamiento, sin embargo su etiología aún es desconocida. La afectación de la región de cabeza y cuello muchas veces puede ocurrir como su primera y única manifestación. El objetivo del estudio es determinar la frecuencia de los síntomas y signos en la región de nariz, oídos y faringe-laringe en un grupo de pacientes con GW. Materiales y métodos: Se evaluaron 17 pacientes con diagnóstico de GW definido por criterios clínicos, de laboratorios y anatomopatológico. Fueron realizadas anamnesis detallada, un examen físico otorrinolaringológico minucioso, audiometría, impedanciometría y nasofibrolaringoscopia en todos los pacientes estudiados. Resultados: La edad media de los pacientes al diagnóstico fue de 41,7 años, y el tiempo promedio con la enfermedad fue de 9,12 años, variando entre uno y 40 años. De los pacientes estudiados, 9 (53,1%) tenían hipoacusia y presentaron audiometría alterada, y 5 (55,6%) presentaron hipoacusia neurosensorial bilateral. A nivel nasal, los síntomas más frecuentes fueron obstrucción en 11 (64,8%) y rinorrea en 10 (58,8%), con endoscopia alterada en 12 (70,2%). A nivel faringo-laríngeo, la disnea en 6 (35,2%) y la carraspera en 7 (41,2%), con laringoscopia alterada en 7 (41,2%). Conclusión: El otorrinolaringólogo desempeña un papel esencial para el diagnóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento de estos pacientes. Conocer sus síntomas más comunes facilita su diagnóstico y tratamiento precoces (AU)

Introduction: Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is characterised by granulomatous vasculitis of the airway and glomerulonephritis. Since its first description, important advances have occurred in diagnosis and treatment; however, the aetiology remains unknown. Involvement of the head and neck region can often occur as the first and only manifestation. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of symptoms and signs in the region of the nose, ears and pharynx-larynx in a group of patients with WG. Materials and methods: We evaluated 17 patients with WG defined by clinical, laboratory and pathology criteria. Detailed histories were taken and an ENT physical examination, audiometry, tympanometry and nasofibrolaryngoscopy were performed in all patients. Results: The average age was 41.7 years and the average disease time was 9.12 years, ranging between 1 and 40. In these patients, 9 (53.1%) reported hearing loss and had altered audiometry, and 5 (55.6%) had bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. In the nose, nasal obstruction in 11 (64.8%) and rhinorrhoea in 10 (58.8%) were the most prevalent; there was altered endoscopy in 12 (70.2%). In the pharynx-larynx, dyspnoea in 6 (35%) and hoarseness in 7 (41.2%) were the most prevalent and 7 (41%) had an altered laryngoscopy. Conclusion: The otolaryngologist plays an essential role in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of these patients. Knowing common symptoms makes diagnosis and treatment easier and earlier (AU)

[Otolaryngological manifestations of Wegener's disease]. / Manifestaciones otorrinolaringológicas de la granulomatosis de Wegener.

INTRODUCTION: Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is characterised by granulomatous vasculitis of the airway and glomerulonephritis. Since its first description, important advances have occurred in diagnosis and treatment; however, the aetiology remains unknown. Involvement of the head and neck region can often occur as the first and only manifestation. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of symptoms and signs in the region of the nose, ears and pharynx-larynx in a group of patients with WG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 17 patients with WG defined by clinical, laboratory and pathology criteria. Detailed histories were taken and an ENT physical examination, audiometry, tympanometry and nasofibrolaryngoscopy were performed in all patients. RESULTS: The average age was 41.7 years and the average disease time was 9.12 years, ranging between 1 and 40. In these patients, 9 (53.1%) reported hearing loss and had altered audiometry, and 5 (55.6%) had bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. In the nose, nasal obstruction in 11 (64.8%) and rhinorrhoea in 10 (58.8%) were the most prevalent; there was altered endoscopy in 12 (70.2%). In the pharynx-larynx, dyspnoea in 6 (35%) and hoarseness in 7 (41.2%) were the most prevalent and 7 (41%) had an altered laryngoscopy. CONCLUSION: The otolaryngologist plays an essential role in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of these patients. Knowing common symptoms makes diagnosis and treatment easier and earlier.