FRCS (ORL-HNS) · SECTION 1 SBA

Sinonasal granulomatosis with polyangiitis

A patient has crusting, epistaxis, septal perforation, pulmonary nodules and glomerulonephritis. Biopsy shows necrotising granulomatous inflammation. What is the most appropriate treatment principle?

CHOOSE ONE ANSWER

Best of five

  1. A. Septorhinoplasty during active inflammation
  2. B. Topical saline as sole treatment
  3. C. Urgent rheumatology-led remission induction while addressing local airway and infection risks
  4. D. Long-term antibiotics without immunosuppression
  5. E. Immediate total rhinectomy
ANSWER AND REASONING

C. Urgent rheumatology-led remission induction while addressing local airway and infection risks

This is systemic organ-threatening granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Immunosuppression treats the vasculitis, while ENT intervention is reserved for airway threat, complications and later reconstruction after disease control.

Why every option is right or wrong

A. Septorhinoplasty during active inflammation: Reconstruction during uncontrolled disease has a high failure risk.

B. Topical saline as sole treatment: Local care cannot control renal and pulmonary vasculitis.

C. Urgent rheumatology-led remission induction while addressing local airway and infection risks: This is systemic organ-threatening granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Immunosuppression treats the vasculitis, while ENT intervention is reserved for airway threat, complications and later reconstruction after disease control.

D. Long-term antibiotics without immunosuppression: Infection may coexist, but does not explain the systemic granulomatous disease.

E. Immediate total rhinectomy: This is destructive and does not treat systemic disease.

What if the scenario changed?

If isolated septal damage occurred with cocaine exposure and atypical serology, a cocaine-induced destructive process would require consideration.

EDUCATIONAL USE

Independent Clinora educational preparation material; not official JCIE content, an accredited programme, clinical advice, or a substitute for current guidance, local policy and specialist judgement.

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