Radiological changes in the paranasal sinuses in lepromatous leprosy

In view of the high incidence of nasal involvement in lepromatous leprosy and the production of a highly infectious discharge from the nasal mucosa, it seemed pertinent to investigate the paranasal sinuses whose lining greatly increase the surface area of mucous membrane in the upper respiratory tract. Sinus radiographs were taken of 16 patients diagnosed, clinically and bacteriologically, as having lepromatous leprosy with nasal involvement. All 16 patients showed radiological abnormalities which are summarized. The most constant finding was mucosal thickening of the maxillary antra. The significance of these results is discussed. Sinus X-rays, while not diagnostic for leprosy may give additional information to both the leprologist and the ENT surgeon. (author)