Nasal polymorphic reticulosis in a child

D. C. Houghton, E. Blank and J. D. Smith

The case of nasal polymorphic reticulosis in a child is presented. The patient, an 11-year-old adopted boy, complained of nasal stuffiness and pain. Perforation of the nasal septum and ulceration of the hard palate were evident on examination, and an irregular tumor in the nasal cavity was demonstrated by tomography. Biopsy specimen showed atypical lymphoreticular cells within mixed inflammatory infiltrates. He was treated with radiation followed by cyclophosphamide, mercaptopurine, and methotrexate sodium. Despite regression of the palate lesion and a 12-month symptom-free interval, he died of disseminated polymorphic reticulosis 1 1/2 years after diagnosis. We are unable to find a similar reported case in a child.