[Diagnostic value of the prick test and tissue RAST in allergic nasal polyposis]

Nasal polyposis is often accompanied by an allergy against inhaled allergens or various foods and drugs. We studied the relationship between nasal polyposis and type-I allergy, using a preoperative skin test on 43 patients with nasal polyposis. This was followed by RAST test of serum, nasal secretion and homogenized tissue from the polyps removed. The rest of the polyp material was examined histologically and cytologically for tissue eosinophilia. A type-I allergy was proved in 40% of the patients by the presence of the same IgE antibodies in the skin test and all the RASTs, accompanied by a distinct eosinophilia in the polyp tissue. In a further 40% of the cases most of the tests were positive, suggesting a probable allergic disposition. These results support the theory of an allergic genesis of many nasal polyps. The tissue RAST especially is of great diagnostic value. Thus, postoperative anti-allergic treatment of these patients should be successful.