Conjunctival and Nailbed Biomicroscopy in Atrophic Ozenatous Rhinopathy

Abstract

On the basis of the hypothesis that vascular pathology is of etiological importance in ozena, the microcirculation of 127 persons, with and without nasal diseases, was investigated by biomicroscopy of the conjunctiva and the nailbed. Ischemia and the pattern described in acrocyanosis were common features found in primary atrophic rhinitis and ozena. There was good correlation between the severity of the vascular pathology and the degree of nasal atrophy.

Acrocyanosis: The Flying Dutchman

“…rheumatic fever, migraine, vasomotor rhinitis, and even brief recurrent hemiparesis) have been reported. 1,81,111 Age may be helpful in diagnosis as primary acrocyanosis often resolves in middle age. 7 …”

“…rheumatic fever, migraine, vasomotor rhinitis, and even brief recurrent hemiparesis) have been reported. 1,81,111 Age may be helpful in diagnosis as primary acrocyanosis often resolves in middle age. 7 Secondary acrocyanosis is often marked by asymmetry, associated pain and tissue damage, increased variability of manifestations, or the presence of various signs of the pri mary disorder which may become fully manifest with the passage of time.…”

“…134 There is lack of agreement on capillaroscopic criteria of acrocyanosis and CTDs. 1,9,10,81,114,127,135,136 The capillaro scopic pattern of acrocyanosis is marked by hemorrhages, pericapillary edema, and widened capillaries. However, these findings are not unique to acrocyanosis and differen tiation from other conditions may be challenging.…”

“…Bipolar disorder 77 Asperger's syndrome 78 Orthostatic intolerance and postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) 79 (Continued) 81 Chronic hypertrophic and primary atrophic rhinitis 81 Atopic dermatitis 82 Hypersensitivity coronary syndrome (Kounis syndrome) 83 Infections:…”