Correlation of histopathology and symptoms in allergic and non-allergic patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

The aim of this study was to estimate and compare some histopathologic predictors of efficacy of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in allergic and non-allergic patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Symptomatology was rated in 50 allergic and 50 non-allergic patients prior to as well as 12 and 24 months after surgery. Specimens taken during the procedure were scored for goblet cells, subepithelial thickening, mast cells and eosinophils. The correlation between histopathology and symptoms was evaluated. Goblet cells and subepithelial thickening were the best predictors in both groups of patients. These parameters are significant global outcome predictors for allergic, but not for non-allergic patients. It is concluded that certain histopathologic parameters in CRS correlate with certain symptoms. Certain histopathologic changes are predictable for persistence of some bothersome symptoms after ESS. Pathologic evaluation might give prediction of response to ESS in allergic and non-allegic patients with CRS.