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Sino-orbital polyposis.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|December 1, 1979
Summary
Nasal polyps can prolapse into the orbit, causing tumors and vision problems. This case highlights the link between hypercalcemia, parathyroid adenoma, and orbital polypoid masses.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
Background:
- A 70-year-old woman presented with bilateral proptosis and left total external ophthalmoplegia.
- She had a history of nasal and sinus polyps and known hypercalcemia due to a parathyroid adenoma.
Observation:
- Imaging revealed ethmoid sinus radiodensity (dystrophic calcification), absent orbital walls, and bilateral retrobulbar tumors.
- Surgical removal of yellow, lobulated masses from the left orbit was performed.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed the masses were nasal polyps covered by respiratory epithelium.
- The yellow coloration was attributed to lipidization of stromal fibroblasts.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates an unusual presentation of nasal polyps prolapsing into the orbit.
- It underscores the importance of considering endocrine disorders like hypercalcemia in orbital pathology.