Respiratory Epithelial Adenomatoid Hamartoma (REAH): A Rare Cause of Nasal Obstruction- Case Report

Abstract

Background: REAH is a rare type of hamartoma occurring in the sinonasal tract. So far only about 60 cases are documented in the literature.It is a non-neoplastic lesions constituted by a mixture of tissues primarily characterized by glandular proliferation and lined by ciliated airway epithelium. Case outline: A 41-year male presented with a 3-year history of nasal block, and more than 1 year history of posterior nasal discharge and anosmia. Physical examination and CT PNS revealed polypoidal mass completely obliterating the left nasal cavity. It was removed surgically. Right side was near normal. Diagnosis of REAH was established by pathologist based on glandular proliferation originating from the surface of the respiratory epithelium. In2 year of follow up showed no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion: Regardless of its rarity, REAH should be included in the differential diagnosis of a symptomatic sinonasal mass because misinterpretation of this benign lesion may lead to unnecessarily aggressive surgical intervention. Conservative surgical resection is the treatment of choice, and no recurrent, persistent, or metastatic disease has been reported to date. Keywords: Respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma; REAH