Benign Lymphogranulomatosis (Sarcoidosis) in the Nasopharynx with Destruction of the Base of the Skull: Report of A Case

Abstract

Benign lymphogranulomatosis, Morbus Schaumann and sarcoidosis are different names for a systemic disease with localization to a number of organs in which, however, primarily lymph glands and other lymphoid tissue are attacked. The disease, which in many respects resembles tuberculosis, has an uncertain etiology. The histologic changes, which greatly resemble tuberculous changes, are not considered completely decisive for differential diagnosis. Only when these changes have been considered in conjunction with the clinical picture is definite diagnosis possible. One observation that is considered strongly to indicate benign lymphogranulomatosis is a negative tuberculin reaction and the absence of tuberculosis bacteria in the section.

A case is reported of extensive skeletal destruction within the sphenoid bone, probably due to benign lymphogranulomatosis, where the clinical symptoms were dominated by attacks of visual disturbance in association with subjective noises in the head. However, bone destruction had not occurred in these case.