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Otopolyposis With Middle Ear Allergic Mucin in a Patient With Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis
Manvinder S Kumar1, Nicholas J Panella2, Kelly R Magliocca3
1Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Objective:
The purpose of this study is to report a case of otopolyposis and middle ear allergic mucin in a patient with allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) and no history of middle ear disease and introduce these as possible otologic manifestations of the AFRS.
Methods:
A case of a 31-year-old female with the aforementioned findings is reported. A review of the pertinent literature was performed.
Results:
We report a case of a 31-year-old female with a history of AFRS but no history of middle ear disease or hearing loss who presented to our institution complaining of aural fullness. Physical exam was significant for middle ear masses of unknown etiology. Surgical exploration revealed the presence of allergic mucin and middle ear polyposis histologically identical to tissue sampled during prior sinonasal surgeries at the same institution. Aspiration of the middle ear space did not resolve the otologic symptoms.
Conclusion:
Otopolyposis and middle ear allergic mucin are extremely rare but possible otologic manifestations of AFRS. We encourage otolaryngologists to consider this in the clinical differential diagnosis of patients with a history of AFRS with new onset otologic symptoms.
Insights
Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) can manifest in the ear, causing rare conditions like otopolyposis and middle ear allergic mucin. This case highlights potential otologic symptoms in patients with a history of AFRS.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Allergy Immunology
Background:
- Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is a distinct inflammatory condition of the upper airway.
- Otologic manifestations of AFRS are not well-documented.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old female with a history of AFRS presented with aural fullness.
- Physical examination revealed middle ear masses of unknown etiology.
Findings:
- Surgical exploration identified otopolyposis and middle ear allergic mucin.
- Histological analysis confirmed these findings were identical to sinonasal tissue.
Implications:
- Otopolyposis and middle ear allergic mucin are rare but potential otologic complications of AFRS.
- Clinicians should consider these conditions in the differential diagnosis for AFRS patients with new otologic symptoms.
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