Angiomatous antrochoanal polyp: a rare entity of choanal polyps

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Angiomatous polyp is a benign, non-neoplastic variant of antrochoanal polyp that is extremely uncommon. Objectives Reviewing the prevalence, clinical characteristics, preoperative assessment, histology, and treatment of angiomatous antrochoanal polyps. Methods All patients presented with antrochoanal polyps accompanied by epistaxis during the period from 2012 to 2022 were included in the study. Based on a detailed history, clinical examination, findings of nasal endoscopy, radiological examination (CT scan nose and paranasal sinuses), and intraoperative data. A histopathological examination for the polyp biopsy specimens was done for all patients presented with epistaxis. Results Over 10 years, among 94 patients with lesions that met the diagnostic criteria for antrochoanal polyp, 16 patients (17%) presented with recurrent ipsilateral epistaxis. All lesions were unilateral, 9 on the right side and 7 on the left side, with no affection of the contralateral sinonasal cavity. Clinical, radiological, and histopathological examinations showed a picture suggestive of an angiomatous antrochoanal polyp. Endoscopic sinus surgery under general anesthesia was performed and no recurrence was detected in the patients with angiomatous antrochoanal polyps. Conclusion It seems that epistaxis exclusively occurs in the angiomatous variety of the antrochoanal polyp. This polyp is not only a variation of the common antrochoanal polyp but rather a unique variety. The identification of the distinctive physical characteristics of an angiomatous antrochoanal polyp will aid in avoiding the incorrect diagnosis of a vascular tumor and the need for unnecessary surgery.