Atrophic rhinitis: etiopathogenesis and management. A review of 130 cases

The goal of this retrospective study was to review findings from a first se ries studied in 1993 and to review the literature on the etiopathogenesis a nd management of atrophic rhinitis. Between 1983 and 1998, 130 patients wit h atrophic rhinitis received follow-up and treatment at the ENT department of the Casablanca Teaching Hospital. Animal models have been used during th e last few years to investigate the role of toxin produced by Bordetella br onchiseptica and/or Pasteurella multocida in the pathogenesis of atrophic r hinitis. The diagnosis rests primarily on clinical grounds. Pharmacotherapy is used first. Acrylic rod implantation under the mucous membrane accordin g to Eyries was performed in 115 of the 130 patients. Results were good in 67% of cases, fair in 22%, and poor in 11%. Extrusion of the rods within si x months of the procedure in 6% of cases.