title: Chronic rhinitis: a manifestation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
abstract: Chronic rhinitis is a condition that occasionally reflects underlying systemic disease. In such cases, physical examination, nasal endoscopy, and computed tomography may be nonspecific. Diagnosis and treatment of the underlying illness may improve nasal symptoms, which may prove refractory to standard rhinitis therapy. A case of chronic rhinitis secondary to nasal involvement of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is presented. Biopsy was important in clarifying the cause of the rhinitis. Treatment of the CLL with chlorambucil was successful in alleviating nasal symptoms, and systemic effectiveness was reflected by a decrease in the patient's white cell count. Chronic rhinitis as a manifestation of CLL can be successfully managed through systemic treatment of the underlying disease. Biopsy can be helpful in confirming the cause of rhinitis and should be considered in refractory cases of rhinitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, UIC Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Amir
authors.forename: Y G
authors.initials: YG
authors.lastname: Dowdy
authors.forename: A N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Goldberg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002699:Chlorambucil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D002699:Chlorambucil; D011241:Prednisone