S. Mezri1,2, S. Sayhi5,2, C. Zitouni1,2, S. Bessioud1,2, W. Thabet3,4, K. Akkari1,2
1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Military Hospital of Tunis, Tunisia
2 University of Tunis
3 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tahar Sfar Hospital Mahdia, Tunisia
4 University of Monastir
5 Department of Internal Medicine, Military Hospital of Tunis, Tunisia

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic diseases are characterized by multiorgan involvement. Ear-nose-throat (ENT) disorders are among the most common manifestations of systemic diseases. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and prognostic features of the ENT manifestations of systemic diseases.
Methods: A retrospective study including patients treated in our department (Otorhinolaryngology and Internal medicine) for systemic diseases and presenting ENT manifestations between January 2010 and December 2017.
Results: Forty patients were included. The systemic disorders were connective tissue disease (14 cases), sarcoidosis (10 cases). Vasculitis and infiltrative disease were less frequent. The ENT symptoms had revealed the diagnosis in 13 cases , the sinonasal symptoms were the most reported ones (30%). After treatment, 90% of patients had improvement or stabilization of their ENT symptoms. Two patients died from laryngeal dyspnea (amyloidosis) and parotid lymphoma (Sjogren’s syndrome).
Conclusion: The ENT signs during systemic diseases are polymorphous and often non-pathognomonic. Otorhinolaryngologists should keep in mind systemic diseases when confronted with any ENT manifestations, especially those demonstrating an atypical evolution or accompanied by extra-ENT symptoms.
Key-words: ENT, Systemic disorders, Sarcoidosis, Connectivitis, Vascularitis, Granulomatosis.

Share.