ABSTRACT

Purpose of this study is to investigate nasal lesions, nasal effects and tomographic findings of leprae.

The study included twenty basil negative leprae patients who were under treatment. Medical history regarding nasal findings, physical examination and paranasal tomography findings were noted.

Sixty five (n:13) percent of 20 patients had lepramatous leprae. Thirty (n=6) percent was borderline lepramatous leprae and 5 % (n=1) was tuberculoid leprae. Sixty five percent of all cases (n:13), seventy seven percent (n=10) of lepramatous leprae and fifty percent (n:3) of borderline lepramatous leprae presented with nasal complaints. The most frequent complaint and finding was nasal crusting. Percentage of nasal septal perforation was 35 % (n=7) and saddle nose deformity was found in 10 % (n=2) of patients. Most frequent tomographic finding was mucosal hypertrophy and the ethmoid sinuses were the most affected site.

Results of this study are correlated with the literature. Leprae patients should have nasal examination even if they had no symptoms. Patients with the history of contact or from endemic regions having nasal crusting, ulceration and other nasal lesion should remind us the diagnosis of leprae. It’s important not to forget that early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment may prevent the nasal deformities.