title: Histopathologic evaluation of the ethmoid bone in chronic sinusitis.
abstract: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is defined as a condition lasting for a period greater than 12 weeks, and manifested by an inflammatory response involving the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, fluids within these cavities, and/or the underlying bone. The mucosal changes that occur in CRS have been well described, and include edema, decreased number of ciliated cells, and goblet cell hyperplasia. However, the changes that may occur in the underlying ethmoid bone have only recently been investigated. We evaluated decalcified ethmoid bone specimens from 20 patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS. Our analysis revealed histopathologic changes consistent with varying grades of bone remodeling. Polarized light microscopy demonstrated changes in the extracellular matrix, such as bone resorption and neoosteogenesis. Preoperative clinical data and CT staging were recorded on all patients and correlated with the histopathologic findings. These findings suggest that CRS may be associated with osteitis of the underlying ethmoid bone.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, New York 10016, USA.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Giacchi
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Lebowitz
authors.forename: H T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Yee
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Light
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Jacobs
mesh_terms: D016723:Bone Remodeling; D005004:Ethmoid Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008859:Microscopy, Polarization / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010000:Osteitis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011859:Radiography; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology