Rosai-Dorfman Disease of the Nasal Cavities: A CO2 Laser Excision

Abstract

Background Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare nonneoplastic histiocytic proliferative disorder characterized by painless massive lymphadenopathy. Extranodal manifestations frequently occur in the head and neck area. Methods We report the clinical and histological features of nasal cavities and cervical lymph node RDD in a 72-year-old woman, who complained of major nasal obstruction and hyposmia. Results Nasal endoscopy revealed polypoid masses arising from the turbinates; the septum was intact. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed staining for S-100 protein, CD68, and alpha-1 antitrypsin. The presence of the Epstein-Barr virus was revealed by serology and also by in situ hybridization. The general examination and systemic evaluation did not find other extranodal localization. Conclusions Because the disease is known for not responding to local or systemic steroids, CO2 laser excision was used to clear the nasal obstruction with a satisfactory result. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first description of the use of laser excision for nasal cavities RDD.