[Allergic fungal sinusitis, fungus ball and invasive sinonasal mycosis - three fungal-related diseases]

Manifestation and associated factors of systemic and local allergy among patients with allergic fungal rhinosinusitis: An observational study

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is a subtype of chronic rhinosinusitis, characterized by excessive immune responses to environmental molds or fungi. The diagnosis and classification of AFRS into systemic and local types remain clinically challenging due to overlapping characteristics. This study investigated the prevalence of AFRS, its manifestation and associated factors in systemic and local AFRS. A total of 200 patients diagnosed with fungal rhinosinusitis underwent both skin provocation tests (SPT) and nasal provocation tests (NPT) to confirm AFRS and classify systemic and local types. Patients were considered to have AFRS if either the SPT or NPT was positive. Among these, patients with systemic AFRS were those who had a SPT positive. Local AFRS was when patients had a negative SPT and a positive NPT. Medical history, serum total IgE level, nasal endoscopy examinations, and CT scans were also recorded. Most patients were female (65.8%), with a mean age of 55.6 years (SD = 14.4). Based on the SPT and NPT results, 31% of patients (n = 62) were diagnosed with AFRS. Among these, 54.8% (n = 34) had systemic AFRS, while 45.2% (n = 28) had local AFRS. Patients with AFRS exhibited significantly higher levels of total IgE, eosinophils, and more pronounced signs and symptoms compared to those without AFRS. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between patients with systemic AFRS and those with local AFRS. AFRS was prevalent in our study. Among patients with AFRS, both systemic AFRS and local AFRS were also prevalent. While allergic indicators and clinical presentations can aid in AFRS diagnosis, minimal distinctions were observed between systemic and local AFRS. A comprehensive assessment incorporating both local and systemic allergic responses through provocation tests, such as a combination of skin and nasal tests, is imperative for optimizing AFRS diagnosis and management.

Frequency of Granulomatous Invasive Fungal Sinusitis in Patients with Clinical Suspicion of Chronic Fungal Rhinosinusitis

Introduction

One of the common causes of chronic sinusitis is a fungal infection, and there are various types of fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS). Missed diagnosis of occasional granulomatous invasion of fungal sinusitis can lead to involvement in the central nervous system. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of granulomatous invasive fungal sinusitis (GIFS) in patients with clinical suspicion of chronic FRS.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Nishtar Hospital, Multan from January 1, 2017 to July 1, 2018. Eighty-one patients with chronic FRS participated in the study. After informed consent, nasal tissue was biopsied for granulomatous fungal invasion.

Results

The frequency of GIFS was 29.6% (n=24) in this study. The significant risk factors included duration of chronic FRS for more than 12 weeks, history of diabetes mellitus, and living status as rural.

Conclusion

GIFS is a common complication in patients with clinical suspicion of chronic FRS. Nasal biopsy should be a common practice among patients of chronic FRS who have a long duration of disease and a history of diabetes mellitus.

An investigation on non-invasive fungal sinusitis; Molecular identification of etiologic agents

Background:

Fungal sinusitis is increasing worldwide in the past two decades. It is divided into two types including invasive and noninvasive. Noninvasive types contain allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) and fungus ball. AFS is a hypersensitivity reaction to fungal allergens in the mucosa of the sinonasal tract in atopic individuals. The fungus ball is a different type of noninvasive fungal rhinosinusitis which is delineated as an accumulation of debris and fungal elements inside a paranasal sinus. Fungal sinusitis caused by various fungi such as Aspergillus species, Penicillium, Mucor, Rhizopus, and phaeohyphomycetes. The aim of the present study is to identify fungal species isolated from noninvasive fungal sinusitis by molecular methods.

Materials and Methods:

During 2015–2016, a total of 100 suspected patients were examined for fungal sinusitis. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed using the Messerklinger technique. Clinical samples were identified by phenotypic and molecular methods. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism with MspI restriction enzyme was performed for molecular identification of molds and yeasts, respectively.

Results:

Twenty-seven out of 100 suspected cases (27%) had fungal sinusitis. Nasal congestion (59%) and headache (19%) were the most common clinical signs among patients. Fifteen patients (55.5%) were male and 12 patients (44.5%) were female. Aspergillus flavus was the most prevalent fungal species (26%), followed by Penicillium chrysogenum (18.5%) and Candida glabrata species complex (15%).

Conclusion:

Since clinical manifestations, computed tomography scan, endoscopy, and histopathological findings are very nonspecific in AFS and fungus ball; therefore, molecular investigations are compulsory for precise identification of etiologic agents and appropriate management of these fungal infections.

Epidemiology of chronic rhinosinusitis, selected risk factors, comorbidities, and economic burden

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a relevant and prevalent medical condition in Germany, Europe and the world. If analysed in detail, the prevalence of CRS shows regional and temporary variety. In this review, currently available data regarding the prevalence of CRS is therefore sorted by country and/or region, time point of data collection and the CRS-definition employed. Risk factors like smoking and gastroesophageal reflux are discussed regarding their influence on CRS prevalence. Moreover, comorbidities of CRS, like asthma, conditions of the cardiovascular system and depression are listed and their influence on CRS is discussed. Furthermore, data on CRS prevalence in special cohorts, like immunocompromised patients, are presented. To estimate the economic burden of CRS, current data e.g. from Germany and the USA are included in this review.

Allergic Fungal Sinusitis

A 42 year old male presents with worsening pain and an increase in thick chronic drainage of the left sinus. Image studies show complete opacification of the left frontal sinus, left sphenoid sinus, and the left maxillary sinus. The patient was taken to the operating room and tissue for microscopic evaluation was obtained. The microscopic findings were classic for allergic fungal sinusitis: areas of alternating mucinous material and inflammatory cell debris and abundant Charcot-Leyden crystals. Cultures were performed and the patient began steroid therapy and desensitization therapy.

Quality of life, disability scores, and distress index in fungal rhinosinusitis

Our goal was to determine quality of life (QOL), disability, and distress in the day-to-day lives of patients suffering from fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) based on a prospective questionnaire. The study included 125 patients suffering from FRS, excluding those with acute fulminant FRS and any other comorbid illness. The data were compared with data for 50 age- and sex-matched controls who did not have any other chronic illness and obtained outpatient services from the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of our institute. Analysis showed that patients with FRS had worse QOL, with an average score of 87.34 compared with 94.15 for the control group. QOL score further decreased to 85.31 for patients with extensive disease that included intracranial or intraorbital extension and to 71.1 in those with recurrent disease. Patients showed significant disability and had decreased work efficiency in disability parameters. Distress among these patients was also greater and further increased in those with extensive disease or recurrence. We conclude that patients with FRS have worse QOL, more disability, and more distress compared with age- and sex-matched controls. This issue needs to be addressed while treating cases of FRS.