[Otorhinolaryngologic findings in Horton temporal arteritis. Review of the literature and case report].

Otorhinolaryngological findings of a temporal arteritis frequently occur in the beginning and/or course of the disease. A purulent sinusitis can be a sign of recurrence of the arteritis and was diagnosed in a 77-year-old woman with known disease that had been biopsied 6 years earlier. Puncture of the maxillary sinus was considered necessary, but no bacteria were found in purulent sinus discharge. When antibiotic treatment failed to bring about a resolution of the inflammatory condition, steroid therapy was begun and the patient recovered within a few days in response to this treatment. The clinical findings in this case show that early diagnosis and treatment by the otorhinolaryngologist are necessary in order to prevent severe complications of the disease.