Woakes' syndrome refers to a triad of nasal polyposis, ethmoidal mucosal hypertrophy, and broadening of the nasal bridge. This condition is most commonly seen in which underlying systemic disease?

• A Cystic fibrosis ✓
• B Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (Samter's triad)
• C Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
• D Churg-Strauss syndrome (eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis)

Explanation

Woakes' syndrome (ethmoidal polyposis with nasal widening — 'frog face deformity') occurs secondary to massive bilateral ethmoidal polyps that erode the ethmoid labyrinth and push outward, widening the nasal bridge. It is most commonly associated with cystic fibrosis in children, where CFTR dysfunction leads to impaired mucociliary clearance, chronic sinonasal infection, and polyp formation. Samter's triad (aspirin sensitivity, asthma, nasal polyps) also causes polyps but does not typically produce the skeletal broadening. CF-associated polyps appear at a younger age than typical inflammatory polyps.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.