Evaluation of the Quality of Life of Patients Suffering from Chronic Rhinosinusitis in a Hospital Setting in Kinshasa

Background and objective: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a common disease worldwide, has a major impact on patients’ quality of life (QoL). In recent years, the measurement of health-related QoL has made it possible to assess the patient’s state of health, the severity of the CRS and the treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the QoL of patients with CRS in a hospital setting in Kinshasa. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted from June 2020 to May 2021 in the ENT service of the Kinshasa University Hospital and the Monkole Hospital Center. The study involved 113 patients aged at least 18 years, whose QOL was compared with that of a control group consisting of 100 non-patients. QOL was assessed using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) Questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the patients was 41.0 years (18 - 74 years) and that of the controls was 39.1 years (19 - 77 years). More than half of the participants were university graduates. The median SNOT-22 score was 44 (14 - 78) in patients and 7 (1 - 40) in controls. Compared with subjects without CRS, patients with CRS had significantly higher scores in all four domains of the SNOT-22. Around 9 out of 10 patients had a severely impaired QoL compared with 2 out of 10 controls. Considering mildly impaired QoL, we found that in the otological and sleep domains, scores were not significantly different between patients and controls. In the case of severely impaired QoL, however, only the otological domain showed a non-significant difference in scores between the two groups. Conclusion: CRS is a real public health problem in our environment and significantly alters the QoL of patients suffering from it, with repercussions on their professional productivity;hence the need for better management.

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis in East Asians

Chronic rhinosinusitis(CRS) is a common disease worldwide, with a prevalence rate of 5%-15% in the general population. CRS is currently classified into two types: CRS with and without nasal polyps. CRS may also be divided into eosinophilic CRS(ECRS) and non-ECRS subtypes based on the presence of tissue eosinophilic infiltration or not. There are significant geographic and ethnic differences in the tissue eosinophilic infiltration, which is predominant in Western white patients and less common in East Asians, despite an increasing tendency for its prevalence in East Asia countries. ECRS differs significantly from non-ECRS in clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes and strategies, and underlying pathogenic mechanisms. ECRS commonly demonstrates more severe symptoms, polyp diseases with a higher incidence of bilateral polyps and sinonasal diseases on computed tomography, and the increase in blood eosinophils. ECRS is considered a special and recalcitrant subtype of CRS, commonly with poor treatment outcomes compared to non-ECRS. The differentiation of specific subtypes and clinical features of CRS will be important for developing novel treatment strategies and improving treatment outcomes for individual phenotypes of CRS. This review discusses clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of ECRS in East Asians.

Relationship between chronic rhinosinusitis and lower airway diseases: An extensive review

Signifcant links between allergic rhinitis and asthma have been reported, and the united airway disease hypothesis is supported by numerous findings in epidemiologic, physiologic, pathologic, and immunologic studies. The impact of allergic rhinitis on asthma has been esta-blished. On the other hand, the relationship between chronic rhinosinusitis and lung diseases has been under investigation. Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common disease, and the high prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis in some kinds of lung diseases has been reported. Recent studies suggest that the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis has beneficial effects in the management of asthma. Here, we present an overview of the current research on the relationship between chronic rhinosinusitis and lower airway diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pul-monary disease, cystic fibrosis, diffuse panbronchiolitis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, idiopathic bronchiectasis, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

Quality of Life after Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a group of disorders characterized by the inflammation of mucosa of the nasal passages and paranasal sinuses. It includes chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps, CRS without polyps and Allergic Fungal Sinusitis (AFS). This debilitating disease causes negative impact on quality of life (QOL) of patients. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is the mainstay of surgical treatment for patients and improves QOL of patients. This subjective assessment of QOL can be measured by disease specific questionnaires. SNOT-22 questionnaire is widely used and validated questionnaire for this purpose. Prospective study was done on 54 patients. Data were collected using SNOT-22 questionnaire and filled in pre-operative period then in post-operative follow-up visits on 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th months. Paired sample t-test was used to compare pre-operative and post-operative SNOT scores and multivariate generalized linear model was used to estimate regression parameters for SNOT scores in CRS with polyp and AFS in comparison of CRS without polyps. Out of 54 patients, 59.3% were males, mean age was 35.98, 29.6% were in CRS without polyp group, 44.4% and 25.9% were in CRS with polyps and AFS group. Recurrence occurred in 7.4%, revision surgery required in 3.7% while 22.2% had history of asthma. Paired sample t-test showed statistical significant reduction in post-operative SNOT scores. Linear model results showed SNOT scores in CRS with polyp group was significantly reduced. Thus FESS provides significant improvement in QOL of patients in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Association of Comorbid Asthma and the Efficacy of Bioabsorbable Steroid-eluting Sinus Stents Implanted After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

Objective To identify factors affecting the efficacy of steroid-eluting sinus stents implanted after endoscopic sinus surgery(ESS)in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps(CRSwNP).Methods We performed a post-hoc analysis of a randomized self-controlled clinical trial on post-operative implantation of bioabsorbable steroid-eluting stents in patients with CRSwNP.Univariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify which of the following factors affect the response to post-operative stent implantation:sex,serum eosinophil levels,history of prior surgery,endoscopic scores,and comorbid conditions(asthma and allergic rhinitis).The primary outcome was the rate of post-operative intervention on day 30,and the secondary outcome was the rate of polypoid tissue formation(grades 2–3)on days 14,30,and 90.Results A total of 151 patients with CRSwNP were included in the post-hoc analysis.Asthma was identified as the only risk factor for a poor response to steroid-eluting sinus stents on post-operative day 30,with an odds ratio of 23.71(95%CI,2.81,200.16;P=0.004)for the need for post-operative intervention and 19(95%CI,2.20,164.16;P=0.003)for moderate-to-severe polypoid tissue formation.In addition,the asthmatic group showed higher rates of post-operative intervention and polypoid tissue formation than the non-asthmatic group on post-operative day 30.Blood eosinophil levels were not identified as a risk factor for poor outcomes after stent implantation.Conclusion Comorbid asthma,but not blood eosinophil level,impairs the efficacy of steroid-eluting sinus stents in the short term after ESS in patients with CRSwNP.

Socioeconomic Status Impacts the Prognosis of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Treated by Endoscopic Sinus Surgery:An Observational Cohort Study in Northeast China

Objective To explore the association between socioeconomic status(SES)and postoperative outcomes in patients with chronic sinusitis(CRS)after functional endoscopic sinus surgery(ESS).Methods We conducted an observational cohort study of 1,047 patients with CRS undergoing ESS.Discharged patients were followed up to 72 weeks for all-cause recurrence events.Baseline SES was established based on occupation,education level,and family income of the patients 1 year before the operation.Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate the recovery rate after ESS,and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between SES and prognosis.Results Patients of middle SES had lower unadjusted all-cause recurrence than those of low or high SES;24-week overall recovery rate was 90.4%[95%confidence interval(CI):89.6%–91.2%]in patients of middle SES,13.5%(95%CI:12.8%–14.2%)in patients of low SES,and 31.7%(95%CI:30.7%–32.7%)in patients of high SES(both log-rank P<0.001).After adjustment for covariates,hazard ratios(HRs)were7.69(95%CI:6.17–9.71,Ptrend<0.001)for all-cause recurrence for low SES versus middle SES,and 6.19(95%CI:4.78–7.93,Ptrend<0.001)for middle SES versus high SES.Conclusion Low SES and high SES were more associated with the worse prognosis of CRS patients after ESS than middle SES.

Correlation between Radiological Staging of Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Revision of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Introduction: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory condition affecting the sinonasal mucosa with duration of more than 12 weeks. Multifactorial aetiology contributes to its refractoriness. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is the most common surgical technique preferred in CRS not responding to medical management, showing high success rates. However, some failure has been noted, requiring revision FESS. CT (Computed Tomography) is a diagnostic tool for CRS, and aids in improving surgical outcomes. Combined with the Lund-Mackay scoring system, CT can help stage the CRS, predicting the need for revision surgery. Methods: In our paper, we aimed to study the relationship between severity of CRS using radiological staging and revision of functional endoscopic sinus surgery, assessing outcome after at least 1 year of follow-up. There was a single centre retrospective study involving 150 patients selected by random sampling, to study the correlation between the severity of chronic rhinosinusitis and revision of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The study was conducted in the ENT department of King Hamad University Hospital, Bahrain for a time period of 6 months. Records were scanned and scored using Lund-Mackay system. Lund Mackay score of 10 and above was considered severe. The relation between increased severity with Lund Mackay score on the CT scan and the need for revision sinus surgeries was then determined. Results and Conclusion: This study concludes that LMS score in CT scans can be used to predict the outcomes of primary FESS procedure and the need for revision surgery in the management of CRS.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Biyuanshu Oral Liquid in the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis

[Objectives]The objective was to study the clinical efficacy and safety of Biyuanshu oral liquid in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis(CRS).[Methods]Randomized controlled trial was adopted to conduct scientific and standardized assessment on the risk of bias in the included papers.With overall effect and incidence of adverse reactions as indices,meta-analysis was performed,and sensitivity and safety analysis was conducted on the included literature.[Results]A total of 15 papers were included,involving 1489 patients.The efficiency of Biyuanshu oral liquid combined with Western medicine was better than that of Western medicine alone.[Conclusions]Biyuanshu oral liquid is safe and effective in treating chronic rhinosinusitis,and is suitable for patients who are not convenient for surgery.However,as the 15 papers included are all low in quality and there is a certain degree of publication bias,the objectivity of the results is affected to some extent.

Efficacy of Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray in Delayed Antibiotic Prescriptions for Acute Rhinosinusitis: A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label, Comparative, Prospective, Parallel Group Study

While their clinical presentation is similar, post-viral rhinosinusitis does not indicate the possible development of bacterial rhinosinusitis which occurs in only 0.5% to 5% of all cases of ARS. However, unreasonable antibacterial therapy is prescribed in 54% to 77% of cases. The perspective is to use delayed antibacterial therapy management. The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficacy of mometasone furoate nasal spray within the delayed prescription approach. Methods: A multicenter, randomized, open-label, comparative, prospective, parallel group study enrolled a total of 156 patients with ARS aged 18 to 60 years, of them 155 patients completed the study. The patients were randomized into the main group of Mometasone Furoate (Flix) Nasal Spray or into the control group of amoxicillin clavulanate tablets while both groups were administered a standard ARS therapy. Findings: The use of MF nasal spray within the delayed antibiotics prescription approach has a significantly higher efficacy compared to the immediate antibiotics prescription in the first days of treatment (p < 0.05). Antibacterial therapy was prescribed to 42.3% of patients in the main group compared to 100.0% of patients in the control group (p < 0.05). It was shown that there were statistically significant differences in the dynamics of changes in the total symptom score between the patients administered antibiotics and the antibiotic-naive patients. Conclusion: The use of MF within the delayed antibiotics prescription approach reliably improves the pattern of symptoms over time at the disease onset and significantly reduces the need for NSAIDs administration and antibiotics prescription frequency.

Dysregulation of E-cadherin in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

E-cadherin is a key epithelial protein and adhesive molecule. This study detected the E-cadherin expression in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and controls, and analyzed its possible role in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP. The expression of E-cadherin was detected by using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry in controls and patients with CRSwNP. Computed tomography (CT) scan findings were scored. The results showed that the E-cadherin expression was up-regulated in patients with CRSwNP as compared with controls (P=0.039) and the positive staining was predominantly localized on the epithelial cell membrane. E-cadherin level was correlated negatively with Lund-Mackay scores in patients with CRSwNP (r=–0.604, P=0.005). It is suggested that E-cadherin may be involved in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP and correlated with disease severity.

The Influence of Jia Wei Cang Er San on the Postoperative Bacteriology of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

Background: Antibiotics have been used routinely for postoperative care in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, increased bacterial growth was found after antibiotic treatment. In traditional Chinese medicine, Jia Wei Cang Er San has been used to treat CRS. This study was to investigate the influence of Jia Wei Cang Er San on the postoperative bacteriology of CRS. Methods: Ninety-seven CRS patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) were included. They were randomly divided into 3 groups. In the group of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), patients were given a capsule of Jia Wei Cang Er San tid for 8 weeks and a placebo capsule for amoxicillin q8h for 4 weeks after FESS. In the amoxicillin group, patients were given a capsule of amoxicillin 250 mg q8h for 4 weeks and a placebo capsule for Jia Wei Cang Er San tid for 8 weeks. In the placebo group, patients were given both placebo capsules. Bacterial cultures were performed from bilateral middle meati before FESS, and 8 and 12 weeks after FESS. Results: In the CHM group, bacteria grew in 21 (46%) of 46 specimens pre-operatively, in 23 (50%) specimens 8 weeks and in 17 (37%) specimens 12 weeks after surgery. In the amoxicillin group, bacteria grew in 15 (28%) of 54 specimens pre-operatively, in 30 (56%) specimens 8 weeks and in 32 (59%) specimens 12 weeks after surgery. In the placebo group, bacteria were found in 13 (34%) of 38 specimens pre-operatively, in 16 (42%) specimens 8 weeks and in 12 (32%) specimens 12 weeks after surgery. The rates of bacterial growth did not change by Jia Wei Cang Er San 8 or 12 weeks after surgery, but increased significantly by amoxicillin 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. Conclusion: Our study showed that Jia Wei Cang Er San did not induce bacterial growth after FESS as amoxicillin.

CX3CR1 receptor as a potential therapeutic target in chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis are chronic inflammatory diseases that affect the mucous membrane of the nose and paranasal sinuses. These diseases are characterized by recruitment of inflammatory cells to the upper airway. For this to take place a complex interaction between inflammatory cells and the cytokines/chemokines(ligand) liberated at the site of inflammation is involved in a process termed chemotaxis or directed cell migration against concentration gradient of the ligand. This entails signal transduction through the cell surface receptor resulting in cellular functional response and directed migration. In this editorial the novel role of CX3CR1 receptor in the immunopathology of chronic inflammation of the nose and paranasal sinuses will be explored with its potential role as therapeutic target in chronic nasal inflammation.

Antibiotic Treatment for Chronic Rhinosinusitis after Endoscopic Surgery: How Long Should Macrolide Antibiotics Be Given?

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine an appropriate period for macrolide antibiotic therapy, and to investigate whether this period could be shorter, for patients with chronicrhino sinusitis (CRS) after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Methods: A retrospective analysis of 41 patients undergoing FESS for CRS was performed. All patients underwent pre-operative computed tomography (CT). Patients with fungal sinusitis, allergic fungal sinusitis, and eosinophilic sinusitis were excluded. After FESS, normalized sinus mucosa was confirmed by CT and endoscopy in all patients. Postoperative antibiotic therapy consisted of first-line and second-line regimens. Garenoxacin (GRNX), or clarithromycin (CAM, 400 mg/day) was used as the first-line regimens and low-dose macrolide therapy (CAM, 200 mg/day) was used as the second-line regimen and was prescribed at outpatient visits based on our clinical criteria. Results: Second-line antibiotic therapy (low-dose CAM) was not necessary in 12 of 41 (29%) patients, while it was prescribed in 29 of 41 (71%). The mean duration of low-dose CAM therapy after FESS was 36 days (range 7 to 122 days;median, 25 days). Patients who received second-line therapy (n = 29) were divided into two groups based on the choice of first-line therapy, a GRNX group (n = 13) and a non-GRNX group (n = 16). Those in the non-GRNX had longer periods of postoperative CAM therapy than those in the GRNX group. Conclusion: GRNX was associated with a shorter duration of low-dose macrolide therapy after FESS, and 29% of patients did not need any low-dose macrolide therapy postoperatively. Therefore, macrolide antibiotics should not be routinely prescribed after FESS.

Pharmacological intervention for chronic phase of spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury is an intractable traumatic injury. The most common hurdles faced during spinal cord injury are failure of axonal regrowth and reconnection to target sites. These also tend to be the most challenging issues in spinal cord injury. As spinal cord injury progresses to the chronic phase, lost motor and sensory functions are not recovered. Several reasons may be attributed to the failure of recovery from chronic spinal cord injury. These include factors that inhibit axonal growth such as activated astrocytes, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, myelin-associated proteins, inflammatory microglia, and fibroblasts that accumulate at lesion sites. Skeletal muscle atrophy due to denervation is another chronic and detrimental spinal cord injury–specific condition. Although several intervention strategies based on multiple outlooks have been attempted for treating spinal cord injury, few approaches have been successful. To treat chronic spinal cord injury, neural cells or tissue substitutes may need to be supplied in the cavity area to enable possible axonal growth. Additionally, stimulating axonal growth activity by extrinsic factors is extremely important and essential for maintaining the remaining host neurons and transplanted neurons. This review focuses on pharmacotherapeutic approaches using small compounds and proteins to enable axonal growth in chronic spinal cord injury. This review presents some of these candidates that have shown promising outcomes in basic research(in vivo animal studies) and clinical trials: AA-NgR(310)ecto-Fc(AXER-204), fasudil, phosphatase and tensin homolog protein antagonist peptide 4, chondroitinase ABC, intracellular sigma peptide,(-)-epigallocatechin gallate, matrine, acteoside, pyrvate kinase M2, diosgenin, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and fampridine-sustained release. Although the current situation suggests that drug-based therapies to recover function in chronic spinal cord injury are limited, potential candidates have been identified through basic research, and these candidates may be subjects of clinical studies in the future. Moreover, cocktail therapy comprising drugs with varied underlying mechanisms may be effective in treating the refractory status of chronic spinal cord injury.

Mimicking aneurysm in a patient with chronic occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery

The chronic occlusion of intracranial arteries generally has no or mild clinical symptoms,and the clinical symptoms of acute cerebral artery occlusion are mostly manifested as severe cerebral infarction symptoms,which often make early diagnosis difficult,thus losing the best treatment opportunity.Once cerebral infarction occurs,the consequences are difficult to recover.This is also an important reason for the high misdiagnosis rate and mortality of this disease.In this paper,the characteristics of the disease were analyzed to provide clinical reference.

Challenges and improvement strategies in the hospitalization of chronic multimorbid patients

BACKGROUND Addressing the growing challenge of hospitalizing chronic multimorbid patients,this study examines the strain these conditions impose on healthcare systems at a local level,focusing on a pilot program.Chronic diseases and complex patients require comprehensive management strategies to reduce healthcare burdens and improve patient outcomes.If proven effective,this pilot model has the potential to be replicated in other healthcare settings to enhance the management of chronic multimorbid patients.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of the high complexity unit(HCU)in managing chronic multimorbid patients through a multidisciplinary care model and to compare it with standard hospital care.METHODS The study employed a descriptive longitudinal approach,analyzing data from the Basic Minimum Data Set(BMDS)to compare hospitalization variables among the HCU,the Internal Medicine Service,and other services at Antequera Hospital throughout 2022.The HCU,designed for patients with complex chronic conditions,integrates a patient-centered model emphasizing multidisciplinary care and continuity post-discharge.RESULTS The study employed a descriptive longitudinal approach,analyzing data from the BMDS to compare hospitalization variables among the HCU,the Internal Medicine Service,and other services at Antequera Hospital throughout 2022.The HCU,designed for patients with complex chronic conditions,integrates a patient-centered model emphasizing multidisciplinary care and continuity post-discharge.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the HCU in managing patients with complex chronic diseases through a multidisciplinary approach.The coordinated care provided by the HCU results in improved patient outcomes,reduced unnecessary hospitalizations,and better management of patient complexity.The superiority of the HCU compared to standard care is evident in key outcomes such as fewer readmissions and higher patient satisfaction,reinforcing its value as a model of care to be replicated.

Inflammasome links traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease

Traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease are three distinct neurological disorders that share common pathophysiological mechanisms involving neuroinflammation. One sequela of neuroinflammation includes the pathologic hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, an endogenous microtubule-associated protein that protects the integrity of neuronal cytoskeletons. Tau hyperphosphorylation results in protein misfolding and subsequent accumulation of tau tangles forming neurotoxic aggregates. These misfolded proteins are characteristic of traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease and can lead to downstream neuroinflammatory processes, including assembly and activation of the inflammasome complex. Inflammasomes refer to a family of multimeric protein units that, upon activation, release a cascade of signaling molecules resulting in caspase-induced cell death and inflammation mediated by the release of interleukin-1β cytokine. One specific inflammasome, the NOD-like receptor protein 3, has been proposed to be a key regulator of tau phosphorylation where it has been shown that prolonged NOD-like receptor protein 3 activation acts as a causal factor in pathological tau accumulation and spreading. This review begins by describing the epidemiology and pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease. Next, we highlight neuroinflammation as an overriding theme and discuss the role of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome in the formation of tau deposits and how such tauopathic entities spread throughout the brain. We then propose a novel framework linking traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease as inflammasomedependent pathologies that exist along a temporal continuum. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic targets that may intercept this pathway and ultimately minimize long-term neurological decline.

Successful treatment of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis caused by Cunninghamella: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis(IFR) caused by Cunninghamella is very rare but has an extremely high fatality rate. There have been only seven cases of IFR caused by Cunninghamella reported in English and, of these, only three patients survived.In this article, we present another case of IFR caused by Cunninghamella, in which the patient was initially treated successfully but then deteriorated due to a relapse of leukemia 2 mo later.CASE SUMMARY A 50-year-old woman presented with a 2-mo history of right ocular proptosis,blurred vision, rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction. Nasal endoscopic examination showed that the middle turbinate had become necrotic and fragile. Endoscopic sinus surgery and enucleation of the right orbital contents were performed successively. Additionally, the patient was treated with amphotericin B both systematically and topically. Secretion cultivation of the right eye canthus showed infection with Cunninghamella, while postoperative pathology also revealed fungal infection. The patient's condition gradually stabilized after surgery. However, the patient underwent chemotherapy again due to a relapse of leukemia 2 mo later. Unfortunately, her leukocyte count decreased dramatically,leading to a fatal lung infection and hemoptysis.CONCLUSION Aggressive surgical debridements, followed by antifungal drug treatment both systematically and topically, are the most important fundamental treatments for IFR.

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis accompanied by allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Concomitant allergic fungal rhinosinusitis(AFRS)and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis(ABPA)are extremely rare,with no more than 20 cases reported in the English literature.CASE SUMMARY A 52-year-old female patient complained of right-sided nasal obstruction,rhinorrhea,sneezing,epistaxis,and hyposmia for a period of around 5 mo.Nasal examination detected paleness and edema of the nasal mucous membrane and a polyp in the right middle meatus.A computed tomography(CT)scan of the sinuses revealed a ground-glass opacity filling the right maxillary and ethmoid sinuses,along with bone absorption in the medial wall of the right maxillary sinus.Magnetic resonance images were obtained with T1-weighted,T2-weighted,and gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted sequences.A well-defined mass,located in the right maxillary and ethmoid sinuses and displaying obvious hypointense features,was observed on both T1-and T2-weighted images,with peripheral enhancement on gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images.The patient also has a 20-year history of cough and dyspnea.Chest CT revealed columned and cystiform bronchiectasis in the bilateral bronchus,surrounded by a large number of spotted and funicular high-density lesions.The level of serum total IgE was>5000 kU/L.Serum IgE levels related to house dust and aspergillus showed a positive result,with the values being 3.5 kU/L and 1.2 kU/L.We performed functional endoscopic sinus surgery under local anesthesia.After surgery,topical glucocorticoids and saline irrigation were applied in the nasal cavity until the present time.An oral glucocorticoid(methylprednisolone 16 mg/d)and antifungal agent(itraconazole 200 mg/d)were also used for a period of 4 wk.Montelukast was prescribed at 10 mg/d until the present time.An endoscopic examination showed that the patient was recovering well at 3 mo after surgery.CONCLUSION Since different specialists treat ABPA and AFRS,their coexistence may be overlooked.AFRS accompanied by ABPA requires surgical therapy combined with medical control to improve the symptoms.

Analysis of pathogenetic process of fungal rhinosinusitis: Report of two cases

BACKGROUND Fungal rhinosinusitis is an infectious and/or allergic disease caused by fungi in the sinus and nasal cavity. Due to the warm and humid climate in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the incidence of fungal rhinosinusitis is higher than that in other provinces. However, its physiological mechanism is not yet clear.Not every patient colonized by fungi develops a fungal infection. To a large extent, the immune status of the patient determines the nature of fungal disease in the nasal passages. The pathologic process of progression from harmless fungal colonization to fungal rhinosinusitis is unclear and has not been reported.CASE SUMMURY We report two patients, one who developed fungal rhinosinusitis 1.5 years after surgery performed to treat an inverted papilloma, and the other with a history of hypertension and cerebral infarction. Both patients recovered from their surgeries. An average time of 2.5 years elapsed from the development of maxillary sinus cysts to the development of fungal rhinosinusitis.CONCLUSION According to these case reports, we speculate that the progression of fungal rhinosinusitis from harmless colonization to disease onset requires approximately one to three years and that the length of the process may be related to underlying diseases, surgical treatment, deficient autoimmune status,and abuse of hormone antibiotics and hormones. Additional data are needed to conduct relevant studies to appropriately prevent and treat fungal rhinosinusitis.