Respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma: An unusual case report

Abstract

Respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma is a rare lesion of the nasal cavity whose etiology and pathogenesis are unknown and symptoms are unspecific. It can be isolated or associated with inflammatory process, first of all nasal polyposis. It’s considered a rare lesion because it’s poorly known and consequently correctly diagnosing is important to a right surgical treatment and follow-up. A 54-year-old man presented with a 10-year history of epistaxis, rhinorrhea and anosmia. Computed tomography showed soft tissue densities in all sinus cavities consistent with nasal polyposis and without bilateral widening of the olfactory cleft >10 mm and without bone erosion. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed and the histopathologic diagnosis was respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma associated with nasal polyposis. There was no evidence of recurrence one year after the initial surgery. Respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma is a particular type of hamartoma of the nasal cavity. Etiology and pathogenesis of this disease are still unknown. Though, the close association between this lesion and nasal polyposis or asthma supports the correlation to inflammatory process. It has a male prevalence with a mean age of 50-60 years. It’s characterized by unspecific symptoms and a macroscopic aspect that could be confused with other pathological entities. For this reason correctly diagnosing is important to a proper treatment and to avoid a more aggressive surgical resection.