Set in the background of ethmoidal diseases, this paper deals with inflammation of this organ in adults of the Ibo ethnic group in South Eastern Nigeria. Three cases were found and are thought to be worthy of documentation.

Keywords: Ethmoid, Ethmoiditis, Adults, Developing community

INTRODUCTION

Both Dorland’s Illustrated Dictionary [1] and Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary [2] throw some light on ethmoiditis. A literature search revealed some interesting examples. From Finland [3], the report was “We report an unusual case of breast cancer metastasis presenting as ethmoiditis MRI.” From USA, 33 cases of ethmoiditis were reviewed with special reference to orbital complications [4].

INVESTIGATION

Birmingham (UK) associates maintained that the establishment of a histopathology data pool facilitates epidemiological analysis [5]. In this context, the one established by the Eastern Region Government of Nigeria at Enugu facilitated my pioneer work. The tabulated cases are its results which are deemed to be worthy of documentation.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1.       (1994) Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 28^th Edn, Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company, pp: 580, 915.

2.       (1990) Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield, Mass: Merriam-Webster, Inc. 12^th Edn, p: 8099.

3.       Pitkaranta A, Markkola A, Malmberg H (2001) Breast cancer metastasis presenting as ethmoiditis. Rhinology 39: 107-108.

4.    Gutowski WM, Mulbury PE, Hengerer AS, Kido DK (1988)  The role  of  CT scans  in  managing  the  orbital complications of ethmoiditis. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 15: 117-128.

5.     Macartney JC, Rollaston TP, Codling BW (1980) Use of a histopathology data pool for epidemiological analysis. J Clin Pathol 33: 351-353.

6.     Ariyan S, Krizek TJ (1975) Tropical ulcers. Plast Reconstruct Surg 55: 324-329.