Sinonasal Angiomatous Polyp: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Sinonasal angiomatous polyp (SAP) is a benign pseudoneoplastic lesion rarely reported in the literature. It may be misdiagnosed as a malignant neoplasm due to its aggressive features of bone erosion clinically or on imaging. We report the case of a 43-year-old woman with a 3 month history of unilateral nasal obstruction with recurrent epistaxis. Nasal endoscopy showed polypoid nasal mass occupying the left nasal cavity. Imaging was suggestive of malignant vascular tumor. The patient underwent surgical excision after embolization. Histopathology concluded to the diagnosis of SAP.

The clinicopathological features of sinonasal angiomatous polyps

BACKGROUND

Sinonasal angiomatous polyp (SAP) is a rare subtype of sinonasal polyp that might be misdiagnosed as a malignant lesion due to its clinical symptoms.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled the patients who were diagnosed with SAP in our hospital during 2008-2015. We analyzed the clinical symptoms, radiological findings, and pathological features of all patients diagnosed with SAP.

RESULTS

Unilateral nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and epistaxis were the common symptoms. SAPs all originated from maxillary sinus and extended to nasal cavity with or without involving the nasopharynx. Expansile mass with surrounding bony destruction is typical on computed tomography imaging but specific for SAPs. The magnetic resonance revealed high signal intensity on T1-weighted images and hypointense rim on T2-weighted images.

CONCLUSION

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance together might give rise to more accurate diagnosis of SAP. Incisional biopsy does help if the clinician suspects a malignant lesion. To treat SAP, complete removal is the optimal choice.