Woakes' syndrome and albinism

Abstract

Nasal polyposis is a very common and multifactorial disease. Whereas eosinophil-dominated polyps often are sensitive to anti-inflammatory treatment like corticosteroids, the therapy of polyps without eosinophils is more difficult and disappointing. We report the clinical course of a 29-year-old albino patient suffering from a extreme manifestation of Woakes' syndrome, which is characterized by severe recurrent nasal polyps, often without eosinophils on histological examination and with broadening of the nose. In this case, the recurrent fibrotic polyps without eosinophils were resistant to conventional medical and surgical treatment and required further treatment with radiotherapy with awareness of all possible future sequelae. The pathoetiology and treatment of Woakes' syndrome as well as of albinism were discussed.