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Respiratory Epithelial Adenomatoid Hamartoma

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Abstract

Background

Respiratory Epithelial Adenomatoid Hamartoma (REAH) is an uncommon, benign tumor of the sinonasal tract. It can, however, be confused with a sinonasal malignancy causing undo morbidity to patients. Therefore, the clinical as well as histological diagnosis is crucial in order to correctly care for patients.

Methods

This review of a patient, to include their clinical pictures, radiologic pictures, and histologic pictures, allow for the clinician to accurately evaluate and diagnose REAH.

Results

Our patient presented with a classic bilateral olfactory cleft mass on endoscopic exam. CT was obtained showing a non-enhancing homogenous mass, widening the olfactory cleft, with no evidence of skull base defects or bony erosion. MRI was additionally obtained, given the location, showing a homogenous cribriform mass with clearly defined borders with post-contrast enhancement on T1-weighted images and hyperintense T2-weighted images. A biopsy in clinic was done, showing small to medium, round to oval shaped glands lined with ciliated respiratory epithelium and separated by stroma. The surface epithelium extends into the submucosa, communicating with the proliferating glands.

Conclusion

Our patient, presented in this case report, shows a classic presentation of REAH. Using these findings, patients can be better counseled on this benign entity, ranging from observation to surgical intervention.

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Code Availability

There was no data set or code used during this case study.

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Acknowledgements

None

Disclaimers

The views expressed in this publication reflect the results of research conducted by the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, nor the U.S. Government. I am a military Service member. This work was prepared as part of my official duties. Title 17, U.S.C., §105 provides that copyright protection under this title is not available for any work of the U.S. Government. Title 17, U.S.C., §101 defines a U.S. Government work as a work prepared by a military Service member or employee of the U.S. Government as part of that person’s official duties.”

Funding

This study was not supported by any funding.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology, Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command – Portsmouth, 620 John Paul Jones Cir, Portsmouth, VA, 23708, USA

    Ashley F. Schemel & Gregory G. Capra

  2. Department of Otolaryngology, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, NC, USA

    Katherine M. Zamperini

  3. Department of Radiology, Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command – Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA, USA

    Karl A. Soderlund

  4. Department of Pathology, Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command – Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA, USA

    Kevin R. Torske

Authors
  1. Ashley F. Schemel
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  2. Katherine M. Zamperini
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  3. Karl A. Soderlund
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  4. Kevin R. Torske
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  5. Gregory G. Capra
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by KS, KT, and GC. The first draft of the manuscript was written by KZ with revisions completed by AS and GC. All authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ashley F. Schemel.

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Schemel, A.F., Zamperini, K.M., Soderlund, K.A. et al. Respiratory Epithelial Adenomatoid Hamartoma. Head and Neck Pathol 17, 498–501 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-022-01519-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-022-01519-5

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