The nasal manifestations of sarcoidosis: a review and report of eight cases

We report eight patients presenting to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology between 1990 and 1998 in whom a diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made. The most common presenting symptom was that of nasal obstruction and crusting and the most common site of involvement was the septum and inferior turbinate. These patients differ from the majority of patients who present with the other manifestations of sarcoidosis in that they are older. Where mucosal changes are present within the nose, biopsy gives a high diagnostic yield. The aim of treatment is to gain symptomatic control with the lowest dose of steroids. The majority of patient's nasal symptoms were managed with local measures and topical steroids. Nasal disease tends to follow a prolonged but benign course. Few had other organ involvement. While nasal sarcoidosis remains a rare cause of nasal obstruction, biopsy of abnormal nasal mucosa along with further investigations as dictated by history, examination and histological findings is important if delay in diagnosis is to be avoided.