Histology of nasal polyps of different etiology.

The aim of the present study is to elucidate the correlation between 
etiology and histology in nasal polyps with special regard to cystic 
fibrosis (CF). Nasal polyps from 15 children with CF and a 
control group of non-CF polyps from 15 adult patients were examined 
by light- microscopy. The histological evaluation was carried out on a 
blind basis in order to avoid bias. Among the parameters used, 
the tissue eosinophilia proved to be the most valuable factor in 
the differentiation between CF and non-CF polyps, as only few eosinophils 
were found in the CF-polyps. The polyp glands were few and 
generally pathological. Some characteristics abnormalities in the grandular morphology are apparently 
more common in CF polyps. It is concluded, that the histological 
examination of nasal polyps is of importance for the correct classification 
of the patient, but the diagnosis of CF cannot be made 
based on microscopy of polyps. Further studies including blinded histological examination 
of nasal polypous tissue might contribute to a more differentiated diagnose 
of nasal polyposis. 