Angiomatous Nasal Polyp: The Great Emulator-A Case Report

Abstract

Angiomatous nasal polyps are rare, benign and non-neoplastic lesions rarely reported in literature. Clinically and radiologically it mimics sinonasal neoplasm. In 5% of inflammatory or allergic sinonasal polyps, extensive vascularisation and ectasia with pseudoamyloid deposition is noted. Pathognomic features of ANP are angiogenesis, accumulation of amorphous eosinophilic substance and atypical stromal cells. In this case report we elaborate probable etiology, clinical features, histopathology (HPE) and radiological findings in a unique case of ANP which mimicked sinonasal mass. Patient presented with U/L nasal obstruction and recurrent episodes of epistaxis. He was operated for similar complaints 8 years ago, details of which were not available with the patient. Patient was recently diagnosed with Hypertension (HTN) and Diabetes Mellitus (DM). On Diagnostic Nasal endoscopy and Radiological imaging, the nasal mass appeared to be a sinonasal vascular lesion. Revision Functional endoscopic sinus surgery was done and on HPE, ANP was reported. Thus, we conclude that ANPs are rare pathological entity and can cause a significant diagnostic dilemma. Thorough knowledge about the clinical presentation and histopathological features is important in establishing an early definitive diagnosis. Also we have made an attempt to establish the possible role of DM and HTN in pathophysiology of ANP.

Keywords: Angiectatic; Angiomatous; Epistaxis; Functional endoscopic sinus surgery; Sinonasal polyp.

Fig. 1

CT imaging of PNS Coronal view

Fig. 2

Lightmicroscopy. a Variable size small ectatic blood vessels with foci of vascular congestion b A polypoidal mass lined by flattened surface respiratory epithelium, stromal hemorrhage and telangiectasia