[Involvement of the nasal sinuses in sarcoidosis. A prospective study of 63 patients].

INTRODUCTION: Sarcoidosis is a diffuse granulomatous inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology. Involvement of the nasal sinuses has been reported only rarely.

METHODS: This multicentre prospective study was undertaken on patients suffering from histologically confirmed sarcoidosis between October 2001 and August 2002. It comprised a questionnaire for nasal symptoms, a nasal endoscopy and a CT scan of the nasal sinuses.

RESULTS: Among the 62 patients enrolled 38 reported at least one nasal sinus symptom. An abnormality of the CT scan was present in 70% of cases. None were specific for sarcoidosis. Rhinoscopy revealed a mucosal lesion in 11 cases. The presence of mucosal nodules on the turbinates was suggestive of sarcoidosis and was proven histologically in 4 cases (6.5%). In these 4 cases there were symptoms of nasal sinus involvement and extensive CT changes.

CONCLUSIONS: Involvement of the nasal sinuses is rare in the course of sarcoidosis. Anterior rhinoscopy allows diagnosis before the development of typical lesions and also the taking of guided biopsies.