The postoperative histologic changes in the nasal mucosa following treatment with amoxycilline or rifampicin: preliminary findings

This study examines the postoperative histologic changes in the nasal mucosa following treatment with amoxycilline or rifampicin. Three groups of nasal mucosal biopsies were obtained from 20 patients having undergone nasal surgery (partial middle turbinectomy). The first group was obtained immediately before surgery (control group). The second and third groups were taken postoperatively (after the first and 6 weeks of amoxycilline or rifampicin therapy, 10 patients each). The histologic changes in the nasal mucosa and the density of seromucinous glands were examined using histochemical methods and image analyzer. Amoxycilline treatment was associated with squamous metaplasia and a statistically significant reduction in the percent area of the seromucinous glands compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Rifampicin therapy was associated with minimal reduction in the density of the seromucinous glands and absence of metaplastic changes. In nasal surgeries, rifampicin but not amoxycilline had a beneficial effect on postoperative nasal mucosa status.     

ADR: An atypical presentation of rare dematiaceous fungus

The association of fungus in allergic fungal rhino sinusitis has been around 200 times in the world literature. As per the available literature, the most common agent identified so far appears to be ASPERGILLUS, though the condition is increasingly associated with Dematiaceous fungi. Here we report for the first time the presence of unusual fungus in allergic rhino sinusitis, which has not been reported so far.     

Paranasal Sinus Pathology in Allergic and Non-Allergic Respiratory Tract Diseases

Two hundred and seventy patients with asthma and/or rhinitis (162 or 60% allergic, 108 or 40% non-allergic) were studied for sinus pathology by means of standard X-rays and tomograms. Sinus pathology was defined as abnormal sinus X-rays, either on standard or tomography. Fifty-four percent of the X-rays were classified as abnormal based on mucosal thickening, loss of translucency of the cavities of polyps. Asthma was significantly more often associated with sinus X-ray abnormalities (65.1%) than rhinitis and/or chronic cough (44.4%). Loss of translucency of the cavities is more frequent in children, whereas mucosa thickening becomes more frequent with progressing age. Since in this prospective study the taking of X-rays of the sinuses was not dependent on or related to temporarily occurring symptoms which could be attributed to acute sinusitis, the presence of sinus abnormalities on X-rays can be considered as an indicator of the chronicity of airways diseases and might provide an indication for prophylactic therapy of the associated airway disease in a continuous way. The importance of sinus tomograms is stressed, since only 32.5% of the patients with mucosa thickening could be detected on standard X-rays.     

Allergy in patients with acute maxillary sinusitis

The occurrence of allergy was studied in 224 patients with verified acute maxillary sinusitis by means of an allergy questionnaire, skin testing, and nasal smears. Allergy was found in 56 patients (25%). In addition, allergy was considered probable in 14 patients (6.5%). The corresponding percentages in the control group were 16.5 and 3, respectively. The difference is statistically significant P less than 0.05). However, the frequency of allergy is lower in the present series than in those previously reported on chronic sinusitis. There were no differences between allergic and non-allergic patients in the number of prior acute sinusitis episodes or of previously performed sinus irrigations. Bacteriological and radiological findings did not differ significantly between the groups.     

Perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis: correlation with rhinologic risk factors

BACKGROUND: The reported association of allergy and sinusitis varies greatly between study, and the exact role of allergy in predisposing to sinusitis is not clear. We attempted to determine whether patients with perennial allergic rhinitis are at greater risk of developing sinusitis with respect to a control group, and to determine whether there is a correlation between rhinomanometry, endoscopy, and nasal swab, and computed tomography (CT) findings. METHODS: Forty adult patients with perennial allergic rhinitis underwent CT scans of the paranasal sinuses, and the results were then compared to CTs of the paranasal sinuses of 30 control subjects. All allergic patients underwent nasal endoscopy, nasal swab, and active anterior rhinomanometry, and the results were studied in relation to the CT findings. RESULTS: We found sinusitis in 67.5% of the allergic patients and in 33.4% of the controls, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.017). Twenty-three patients had a positive nasal swab; 22 showed increased nasal resistance on rhinomanometry, and 36 had positive endoscopy, but the association of CT findings with endoscopy, rhinomanometry, or nasal swab was not statistically significant (P = 0.583, P = 1.00, P = 0.506, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Allergic rhinitis is often associated with sinusitis, but the underlying mechanism has yet to be determined. Evidently, factors other than classical pathogen growth and mechanical factors, such as the association of the various factors and immunologic mechanisms, may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic sinusitis in allergic patients.     

Fungal sinusitis: histologic spectrum and correlation with culture

Fungi are important etiologic agents of sinusitis. However, features of fungal sinusitis including the histologic spectrum, diagnostic mishaps, incidence, and fungal types have not been systematically studied. From 1996 through 2001, a total of 788 surgical pathology sinus specimens from 384 cases was retrieved. Fungal sinusitis was diagnosed in 58 specimens (7%) from 47 cases (12%). Four histologic categories of fungal sinusitis were identified: (1) allergic fungal sinusitis in 34 cases (copious mucin, abundant eosinophils, Charcot-Leyden crystals (so-called allergic mucin), with rare noninvasive fungal hyphae); (2) mycetoma/fungus ball in 11 cases (tightly packed fungal hyphae without allergic mucin or tissue invasion); (3) chronic invasive fungal sinusitis in 1 case (tissue granulomas with fungal hyphae); and (4) acute fulminant fungal sinusitis in 1 case (fungal vascular invasion). The diagnosis was initially missed in 16/34 (47%) cases of allergic fungal sinusitis despite typical features; incorrect classification was noted in 47% of cases. Sixty-seven percent of cases had positive fungal cultures, dematiaceous fungi being the most common. Allergic fungal sinusitis accounted for the majority of fungal sinusitis. Although misdiagnosis or incorrect classification is rather frequent for fungal sinusitis, awareness of the distinctive morphologic features of this entity may prevent these errors.     

Trichosporon inkin, an unusual agent of fungal sinusitis: a report from south India

The aetiology of fungal sinusitis is diverse and changing. Aspergillus species has been the most common cause for fungal sinusitis, especially in dry and hot regions like India. Trichosporon species as a cause for fungal sinusitis has been very rarely reported the world over. Here, we report a rare case of allergic fungal sinusitis caused by Trichosporon inkin in a 28-year-old immunocompetent woman. Bilateral nasal obstruction, nasal discharge and loss of smell were her presenting complaints. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy showed bilateral multiple polyps. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed and many polyps were removed. Based on mycological and histopathological studies, the pathogen was identified as T. inkin.     

Airway dysfunction in nasal polyposis: a spectrum of asthmatic disease?

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) represents an interesting model to investigate the existence of a non‐allergic unified airway. The factors associated with airway dysfunction in CRSwNP are not fully understood. Objective To assess the impact of nasal disease on lower airway dysfunction in CRSwNP. Methods Fifty‐seven patients with CRSwNP underwent spirometry, nasal endoscopy, exhaled nitric oxide, methacholine bronchial challenge, blood sampling for total IgE, eosinophil count and radioallergosorbent testing (NCT00788749). Three phenotypic groups were identified: ‘asthma group’ (asthma diagnosis); ‘inflammatory group’ [no asthma diagnosis, but elevated fractionated exhaled nitric oxide (FE_NO) and/or bronchial‐hyperreactivity (BHR)]; and ‘non‐inflammatory group’ (no asthma diagnosis, no BHR and normal FE_NO). Group comparisons, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine associations with airway dysfunction. Results FEV₁ and FEF_25?75% were reduced in asthma, but there was no difference between the non‐asthmatic groups. Total IgE and eosinophils were elevated in asthma vs. the non‐inflammatory group, but there was no difference for asthma vs. inflammatory groups. BHR was the only significant predictor of FEV₁ (P<0.001). For FEF_25?75, BHR and eosinophil count were independent predictors (P<0.001 and P=0.04). Nasal outcomes were not predictors of spirometry. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance In CRSwNP there is asymptomatic airway dysfunction suggestive of an asthmatic phenotype. Impairment of lung function is significantly associated with BHR and eosinophilia but not parameters of nasal disease suggesting that severity of airway dysfunction relates to the spectrum of asthma rather than rhinosinusitis. Lower airway dysfunction is common in CRSwNP but does not correlate to the severity of nasal disease. Signs and symptoms of asthma should be sought and treated in CRSwNP. Cite this as: P. A. Williamson, S. Vaidyanathan, K. Clearie, M. Barnes and B. J. Lipworth, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 1379–1385.     

Orbital cellulitis secondary to a fungal sinusitis caused by Scopulariopsis: The first case in Tunisia

We report a case of invasive fungal sinusitis caused by Scopulariopsis in 57 year-old man who had recurrence of orbital cellulitis. CT-scan and magnetic resonance imaging found an orbital cellulitis associated to a left frontal sinusitis with bone erosion and calcification. Patient was treated by surgical debridement and voriconazole. Culture of excised tissue was positive for Scopulariopsis.     

霉菌性鼻窦炎诊断与治疗

目的探讨霉菌性鼻窦炎的诊断与治疗方法。方法对48例经手术病理证实为霉菌性鼻窦炎的临床表现、体征影像学及手术、病例资料、治疗效果进行总结分析。结果32例术前经临床表现、结合CT即明确诊断,16例为术后经病理检查才明确诊断,48例均行鼻窦病灶清理术,术后用抗真菌药物冲洗窦腔,全部病例均治愈。结论该病大多有典型的临床表现,CT有明确的特征性,手术彻底清除病灶,通畅引流,抗真菌药物冲洗窦腔是有效的治疗方法。     

急性上颌窦炎实验动物模型的建立

目的:拟建立急性上颌窦炎的实验动物模型,并探讨窦口的阻塞和致病菌的毒力在急性上颌窦炎的发病机制中的地位。方法:第一天,阻塞单侧窦口,对侧做假手术。次日,注入0.5ml108CFU/ml肺炎链球菌悬浮液。第五天处死动物、观察、分离培养细胞、取材和制作切片。结果:阻塞上颌窦口和注入肺炎链球菌的联合组,鼻部症状明显;进食量减少;鼻窦粘膜水肿、微红,具有较多脓性分泌物,微血管扩张,白细胞浸润;肺炎链球菌的重新分离培养率为100％（与其余组比较具有显著意义P<0.01）。而仅阻塞上颌窦口或仅注入肺炎链球菌或假手术均无明显临床症状及组织病理学改变,细胞培养率也低。结论:窦口的阻塞和致病菌的毒力是上颌窦炎发生发展的重要的条件,其中,窦口的阻塞起着关键性作用;联合阻塞窦口并注入有荚膜的肺炎链球菌能较理想地建立急性上颌窦炎实验动物模型。     

Concomitant allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and allergic Aspergillus sinusitis: a review of an uncommon association*

BACKGROUND: Although thought to have common immunopathological processes, concomitant occurrence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and allergic Aspergillus sinusitis (AAS) appears to be rarely reported as to date only five detailed case reports are available. OBJECTIVE: To present a review of seven cases of concomitant ABPA and AAS, three of whom were earlier reported for their unusual presentations. METHODS: Patients with ABPA with nasal symptoms were evaluated radiologically. Consent was taken for antral wash and/or Caldwell-Luc operation in those with radiological evidence of sinusitis and the material was sent for histopathological and mycological studies. RESULTS: Of the 95 patients with ABPA, 22 had radiological evidence of sinusitis. Nine consented to surgery, seven of whom were diagnosed as concomitant AAS. Nasal symptoms preceded chest symptoms in two patients, vice versa in one and occurred simultaneously in four. Familial occurrence of ABPA, middle lobe syndrome and collapse with effusion along with an operated aspergilloma were seen in one patient each. Transient pulmonary infiltrates and central bronchiectasis were seen in all patients. Computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses, carried out in six patients, revealed mucosal thickening with hyperdense lesions, without any bony erosion or destruction. All patients had positive skin tests, positive precipitin study and raised total and specific IgE. Allergic mucin was seen in all patients, fungal hyphae in five, and culture grew Aspergillus spp. in four. All patients responded favourably to oral prednisolone. CONCLUSION: Concomitant occurrence of ABPA and AAS seems to be infrequently recognized. Since asthma and sinusitis are often seen by two different specialities, the occurrence of AAS in ABPA and ABPA in AAS may easily be overlooked.     

Sino-orbital aspergillosis in a diabetic patient

Sino-orbital aspergillosis in a 61-year-old male with uncontrolled non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus presented with three months history of left ear pain, left side headache with mucopurulent nasal discharge and one week history of progressive swelling and pain with difficulty in opening of the left eye and sudden loss of vision. In spite of surgical debridement and medical management with amphotericin B and itraconazole his visual outcome was poor and the infection was unabated at one month follow up.     

Sinonasal pathology in nonallergic asthma and COPD: 'united airway disease' beyond the scope of allergy

Background:  In contrast to the epidemiological and clinical association between allergic rhinitis and asthma, upper airway inflammation is less characterized in patients with nonatopic asthma and virtually unexplored in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here, sinonasal pathology is studied in patients with allergic asthma, nonallergic asthma and COPD.
Methods:  Ninety patients with stable bronchial disease were included in the study, of which 35 were diagnosed with allergic asthma, 24 with nonallergic asthma and 31 with COPD. Concurrently, 61 control subjects without pulmonary disease were included and matched for age and smoking habits respectively with the asthma and the COPD group. Sinonasal symptoms were evaluated on a visual analogue scale and rhinosinusitis-related impairment of quality of life was assessed with the sino-nasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22) questionnaire. Nasal mucosal abnormalities were quantified with nasal endoscopy and nasal secretions collected for measuring inflammatory mediators.
Results:  Allergic asthmatics, nonallergic asthmatics and COPD patients reported more nasal symptoms than their respective control subjects, had a higher SNOT-22 score and presented more mucosal abnormalities in the nose. Nasal secretions of both allergic and nonallergic asthmatics contained higher levels of eotaxin, G-CSF, IFN-γ and MCP-1 than controls. Allergic asthmatics had higher nasal IP-10 levels as well. COPD-patients had higher nasal levels of eotaxin, G-CSF and IFN-γ than controls.
Conclusion:  Patients with allergic and nonallergic asthma and COPD show increased nasal symptoms and more nasal inflammation. Hence, our data confirm the 'united airways' concept to be beyond the scope of allergic asthma.