Computed Tomography Findings in Patients with Samter's Triad: An Observational Study

Samter's Triad is a disorder characterized by chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (NPs), asthma, and intolerance to cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitors. However, there have been no studies investigating the prediction of Samter's Triad using imaging findings. Therefore, the authors aimed to investigate whether there is a difference in computed tomography (CT) findings between patients who have CRS with NPs and those with Samter's Triad. Patients were classified into a CRS group and a Samter group. Opacification was measured using data from CT scans by scoring each sinus on a numerical rating scale ranging from 0 to 4. The opacification scores of the ethmoid and frontal sinuses were significantly higher in the Samter's Triad group. Furthermore, Samter's Triad was more common in patients who scored ≤ 2 for maxillary opacification (7/16) than in those who scored ≥3 (4/45, p=0.005). Patients with Samter's Triad exhibited a tendency toward higher opacification scores for the ethmoid and frontal sinuses, with a relatively lower opacification score for the maxillary sinus. These findings could be helpful in distinguishing patients with Samter's Triad from those who have CRS with NPs, and to plan treatment strategies without having to perform additional laboratory or radiological tests.