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The different clinical presentations of pediatric allergic fungal sinusitis
Fawatim A Al Nahwi1, Ali AlMomen2, Sarah A Alkishi3
1Department of Pediatric, Maternity and Children Hospital, Al Ahsa, Eastern Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Pediatric allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) presents uniquely in children, differing from adults. Early, aggressive treatment and high suspicion are crucial for effective management of pediatric AFS.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Allergy
- Rhinosinusitis Research
Background:
- Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) is a distinct clinical entity affecting the paranasal sinuses.
- Understanding pediatric AFS is essential due to its unique presentation compared to adult forms.
- This study focuses on AFS in children within Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province.
Observation:
- A retrospective case series was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital.
- The study analyzed the diagnosis and management of pediatric AFS cases.
- Clinical data from pediatric patients diagnosed with AFS were reviewed.
Findings:
- Pediatric AFS exhibits diverse clinical presentations, including unilateral, bilateral, and isolated sphenoid involvement.
- Some cases presented with proptosis or extensive intracranial and intraorbital extensions.
- Children's AFS symptoms differ significantly from those observed in adult patients.
Implications:
- A high index of suspicion is necessary for diagnosing pediatric AFS.
- Early and aggressive treatment strategies are vital for managing children with AFS.
- Findings contribute to improved clinical recognition and management protocols for pediatric AFS.
Abstract:
In this paper, we aim to study the different clinical presentations of pediatric allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, and to review the experience in the diagnosis & management of AFS in children at King Fahad Specialist Hospital. This study is a retrospective case series of pediatric patients diagnosed and managed as AFS at a tertiary referral hospital in Saudi Arabia. The clinical presentation of pediatric AFS varies widely and includes unilateral, unilateral with proptosis, bilateral, alternating, isolated sphenoid and extensive with intracranial & intraorbital involvements. Children with AFS present with different clinical features when compared to adults. Therefore, they require a high index of suspicion for evaluation and early aggressive treatment.
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