Apple jelly nodules on the nasal septum are found in case of?
**Core Concept:** Apple jelly nodules on the nasal septum are a term used to describe the characteristic appearance of mucosal changes in certain diseases. The nasal septum is the cartilaginous and bony structure that divides the nasal cavity into two parts.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer is "Rhinitis with Eosinophilia - Splenomegaly Syndrome" or RESS. This is a condition characterized by eosinophilia (an elevated number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell), splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), and chronic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa). The term "apple jelly nodules" is used to describe the mucosal changes observed in chronic rhinitis, where the mucosa appears soft, shiny, and translucent like apple jelly. The nodules are present due to the thickened and congested mucosa.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Rhinitis with Eosinophilia - Splenomegaly Syndrome (RESS): This is the correct answer, as mentioned before.
B. Rhinitis with Eosinophilia - Splenomegaly Syndrome (RESS): This is not the correct answer, as it is RESS, not RESS (Rhinitis with Eosinophilia - Splenomegaly Syndrome).
C. Allergic Rhinitis: This refers to an allergic reaction in the nasal mucosa, not the "apple jelly nodules" appearance.
D. Vasomotor Rhinitis: This refers to the nasal congestion caused by increased blood flow, not the "apple jelly nodules" appearance.
**Apple Jelly Nodules:**
These mucosal changes are due to the thickened and congested mucosa, which appears soft, shiny, and translucent like apple jelly. The nodules are formed due to the dense infiltration of eosinophils, mast cells, and plasma cells into the mucosa. This is a characteristic feature of chronic rhinitis, particularly in RESS (Rhinitis with Eosinophilia - Splenomegaly Syndrome). The nodules are formed due to the dense infiltration of eosinophils, mast cells, and plasma cells into the mucosa, leading to thickening and congestion of the nasal mucosa, giving it the characteristic appearance of "apple jelly nodules".
**Clinical Pearl:**
Apple jelly nodules on the nasal septum can be a clue to the presence of RESS, a rare condition characterized by eosinophilia, splenomegaly, and nasal symptoms. Other clinical features of RESS include eosinophilia, enlarged spleen, and chronic rhinitis with mucosal thickening and congestion.
In conclusion, when assessing patients with chronic nasal symptoms, the presence of apple jelly nodules on the nasal septum should raise suspicion for RESS, which requires further evaluation for confirmation.