Sinonasal polyposis.

Abstract

The SSCT findings of the SNP pattern are nearly diagnostic for this entity. SNP is characterized by the major findings of nasal polypoid masses and infundibular enlargement. Patients may also show individual sinus involvement with polypoid masses and/or opacification of the paranasal sinuses without visualization of polypoid masses. The presence of polypoid masses within the sinuses also can be inferred if the major findings are present, especially if there are the minor findings of nasal septal and sinus trabeculae attenuation and bulging of the lateral ethmoid sinus walls. Air/fluid levels are frequent in SNP but do not always indicate acute sinusitis. Patients typically present with nasal stuffiness and rhinorrhea. They often have facial pain and less often headaches. Common associations exist between SNP and atopy (either allergic or nonallergic), asthma, infection, cystic fibrosis, and aspirin intolerance. Therapy may be either medical or surgical, with steroids being the mainstay of the medical treatment. FESS provides a relatively atraumatic means of removing polyps and creating better sinus drainage. Regardless of the type of therapy, recurrences are common, requiring repeated bursts of systemic steroids, nasal steroid maintenance, and frequent additional surgical procedures. Identification of the SNP pattern on SSCT helps the otolaryngologist to institute an appropriate therapy aimed at alleviating symptoms. The SSCT is adequate for evaluation of SNP in the vast majority of cases and serves as a detailed road map for the treating endoscopic surgeon.