[Presentation and management of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis]

To assess the presentation of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) and describe the line of management in our setup.

Twenty-six cases of AFRS from October 2002 to June 2006 were retrospectively analyzed for the study in Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital. Laboratory findings (especially total serum IgE level and special serum IgE level) and computed tomography were noted preoperation. Surgical specimens were sent for mycology and histopathologic analysis. The management included endoscopic sinus debridement, adequate sinus aeration, pre- and post-operative use of steroids and saline irrigations with antifungal drugs.

Nasal obstruction and hyposmia were the commonest presentations. In 21 (80.8%) of 26 patients, AFRS was fund to be associated with allergic diseases. CT scan showed serpiginous or patchy increased attenuation within the completely opacified sinuses on reconstructed soft tissue window. Some of the involved sinuses had bone erosion and expansion. 84.6% (22/26) patients had elevated total IgE levels, 76.9% (20/26) had positive for sIgE levels to fungal allergen. Fungal smear were positive for all 26 patients. But only 14 surgical specimens were positive for fungal cultures. The most common causative agent was Aspergillus. The involved mucosa and allergic mucin with H & E staining contained clusters or sheets of degenerating eosinophils. Charcot-Leyden crystals was found in 8 surgical specimens. The follow-up after a year, the mucosa recovered epithelization in 19 patients.

The diagnosis of AFRS required to depend on history, CT scanning, histopathology, mycologic and immunologic monitoring. Comprehensive treatment with endoscopic sinus surgery, steroids and saline irrigations with antifungal drugs is effective method.