SPHERULOCYTOSIS (MYOSPHERULOSIS) IN THE P ARANASAL SINUSES

Spherulocytosis (myospherulosis is a disease resulting from the physic al emulsion phenomenon between lipid-containing materials and blood. I t can be caused by the application of lipid-based ointments with or wi thout antibiotics to wounds. This ''foreign-body'' reaction appears as a granulation tissue that will cause symptomatic when developing unde r closed wounds or in such cavities as the middle ear or paranasal sin uses. Poor healing after paranasal sinus surgery may be due to spherul ocytosis. This occurred in several cases managed at the University Hos pital in Kiel as the result of postoperative nasal packs sensitizing s inus mucosa. These experiences led the authors to conclude the nasal o intment packs should be avoided in paranasal sinus surgery.