Computed Tomography Score an Excellent Marker: Differentiates Eosinophilic and Non-eosinophilic Variants of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyp

When the Nose Meets the Lab: Histopathological Analysis in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps for Routine Clinical Practice

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We aimed to review the latest evidence regarding the value of tissue histopathological analysis in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and to facilitate tissue analysis by proposing a pragmatic checklist for clinical settings.

RECENT FINDINGS

CRSwNP is a chronic inflammatory disease that severely impairs the patient's quality of life. The severity of the disease can be correlated with nasal polyps enriched in eosinophils/IL-5 and, although ≥ 10 eosinophils per high power field are considered enough to determine an eosinophilic CRS, this cut-off value, the biopsy method, and the sampling location are still a matter of debate. Besides, tissue eosinophil values might also have some added value when combined with other cellular counts (e.g., eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, Charcot-Leyden crystals). Structured histopathology analysis of sinonasal tissue-including, for instance, tissue remodelling biomarkers, fibrosis, and eosinophilic aggregates-has proven to be a valuable tool for healthcare professionals to identify different pheno-endotypes of CRSwNP and to improve the prioritisation of candidates to targeted therapies. Patients with CRSwNP are treated according to their severity with corticosteroids (intranasal and systemic), endoscopic sinus surgery, and/or biological therapy. A panel of expert ear, nose, and throat specialists and pathologists proposed a pragmatic checklist to improve the clinical practice around tissue analysis in CRSwNP, to facilitate communication between hospital-based healthcare professionals, and to standardize the evaluation of inflammatory biomarkers.

Imaging of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in the era of biological therapies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the sinonasal cavities classified into two major phenotypes: CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). The diagnosis of CRS is based on clinical symptoms associated with imaging and/or nasal endoscopy findings of mucosal inflammation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recently, novel biological therapies have emerged as therapeutic options for CRSwNP. Imaging is helpful in deciding whether surgery is likely to be beneficial and in guiding surgery. It can also help demonstrate a clinical response to medical therapy. However, specific guidelines concerning the role of imaging in CRwNP are lacking.

SUMMARY

This article provides a comprehensive and critical multidisciplinary review of the role of conventional radiology, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis and characterization of CRSwNP. Since the complete characterization of nasal polyps on CT or MR images is very challenging, we provide a critical review of the best imaging methods and essential reporting elements used to assess nasal polyps.

Computed tomography findings of paranasal sinuses in patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: Comparison with other eosinophilic sinus diseases and clinical relevance of their severity

BACKGROUND

Although paranasal sinuses are one of the most representative organs affected by eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), they have not been studied sufficiently. The aim of this study was to compare computed tomography (CT) findings in paranasal sinuses of EGPA with those of other eosinophilic sinus diseases and elucidate the clinical relevance of their severity.

METHODS

CT findings of paranasal sinuses in EGPA patients prior to therapeutic intervention (n = 30) were evaluated using the Lund-Mackay staging (LMS) system and compared with those of three control diseases [(NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease (N-ERD), aspirin-tolerant asthma, and eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis without asthma (ECRS)]. We divided EGPA patients into three groups based on their LMS scores and examined their association with disease manifestation.

RESULTS

Total scores of the LMS system in EGPA were significantly lower than those of N-ERD and ECRS without asthma. There was a large variation in total LMS scores in EGPA, suggesting considerable heterogeneity of their sinus lesions. Although EGPA with low LMS system scores showed only minor findings in maxillary and anterior ethmoid regions, those with high LMS system scores were characterized by high scores in the ostiomeatal complex. However, the frequencies of patients with a Five-Factor Score ≥2 and with cardiac involvement were significantly higher for EGPA with low LMS system scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Although paranasal sinus lesions in EGPA were less severe than those of other eosinophilic sinus diseases, their milder CT findings may be associated with a higher frequency of extra-respiratory organ involvement.

Comparison of mycology between different types of chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to culture fungi from the nasal discharge of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) using both a traditional and Ponikau et al's method, and subsequently compare the culture results between CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNPs), and between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRS.

METHODS

Eighty-one CRS patients with CRS who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery were enrolled. Before surgery, the severity of each patient's CRS was evaluated through an endoscopic examination and CT scan. Swab samples were collected from the middle meatus for traditional fungal cultures using cotton-tipped sticks. Afterward, the ipsilateral nasal cavity was irrigated, with the irrigated fluid processed using Ponikau et al's method for fungal culture.

RESULTS

The endoscopic and CT scores were significantly higher in CRSwNPs than CRSsNPs, but were not different between eosinophilic CRS and noneosinophilic CRS. Using Ponikau et al's method, 61/81 (75.3%) of the specimens grew fungi. Among them, 20 of 32 (62.5%) CRSwNPs specimens and 41 of 49 (83.7%) CRSsNPs specimens grew fungi. For eosinophilic CRS specimens, 35 of 46 (76.1%) grew fungi, and 26 of 35 (74.3%) noneosinophilic CRS specimens grew fungi. The fungal culture rate was borderline significantly higher in CRSsNPs than CRSwNPs ( p = 0.058) but was not significantly different between eosinophilic CRS and noneosinophilic CRS ( p = 1). However, Cladosporium was significantly more common in CRSsNPs than CRSwNPs ( p = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that the mycology of CRS was different between CRSwNPs and CRSsNPs.

Comparison of Bacteriology Between Eosinophilic and Noneosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps

OBJECTIVE

To compare culture results between eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (ECRSwNP) and noneosinophilic CRS with nasal polyps (nECRSwNP).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary medical center.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of CRSwNP patients undergoing primary functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Prior to surgery, swab samples for bacterial culture were collected from their middle meatus using cotton tips. After surgery, postoperative specimens were histologically examined for tissue eosinophilia. A tissue eosinophil density of >10 cells at high power magnification was used to discriminate between ECRSwNP and nECRSwNP.

RESULTS

A total of 295 patients were studied with polyps present on 471 sides of the nasal cavity. Among them, 236 sides were ECRSwNP, and the remaining 235 sides were nECRSwNP. Bacterial growth was found in 94 ECRSwNP sides, and in 88 nECRSwNP sides. Culture rates were similar between ECRSwNP and nECRSwNP sides (p = .595). However, Gram-negative aerobes were found in 25 of 236 ECRSwNP sides, and in 42 of 235 nECRSwNP sides. The Gram-negative culture rate was significantly higher in nECRSwNP than in ECRSwNP sides (p = .024).

CONCLUSION

The bacteriology of CRS was different between ECRSwNP and nECRSwNP. The Gram-negative aerobes were present more in nECRSwNP than in ECRSwNP.

Eosinophilic and Non-eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps and Their Clinical Comparison in Indian Population

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (eCRSwNP) and non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (neCRSwNP) are two distinct endotypes of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The aim of the study was to find the prevalence of eCRSwNP and neCRSwNP, their clinical comparison and to establish predictive values for clinical and diagnostic factors to differentiate between eCRSwNP and neCRSwNP in Indian population with CRSwNP. This study was a prospective cohort, multi- institutional study. A total of 162 patients who were diagnosed with nasal polyps at different military hospitals in India during the period from 2011 to 2020 were selected for study. They were diagnosed in accordance with EPOS guidelines. They were randomly divided into two groups as eCRSwNP and neCRSwNP based on the response to oral corticosteroids for 2 weeks duration and the prevalence of eCRSwNP was established. Blood samples were collected and endoscopic sinus surgery was performed in all patients after atleast 2 months of last steroid dose. Preop CT scan scores, preop nasal endoscopy scores, preop blood eosinophil counts, preop tissue eosinophil counts were compared between the groups. Postop followup was done at 6 months by comparing CT scan scores and nasal endoscopy scores. Predictive values for clinical and diagnostic factors were established to diagnose eCRSwNP in Indian population. Out of a total 162 patients, 121 (74.6%) patients were classified into eCRSwNP and 41 (23.6%) into neCRSwNP out of a total of 162 patients with CRSwNP. CRSwNP was seen in the 4th decade. eCRSwNP was seen in the later part and neCRSwNP was seen in the early part. eCRSwNP was more common in males and neCRSwNP was more common in females. Smoking, asthma and aspirin intolerance were more commonly seen in eCRSwNP than neCRSwNP, p < 0.001, p = 0.020 respectively. Preop total CT scan score, preop bood absolute eosinophil count,preop blood eosinophil percentage, tissue eosinophil percentage, postop nasal endoscopy score, postop CT scan score were stastically significant in eCRSwNP, p < 0.001 except preop total nasal endoscopic score. Tissue absolute eosinophil count had best predictive accuracy plotted with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, area under curve (AUC) 0.923(95% CI, 0.876-0.970). The cutoff points determined to diagnose eCRSwNP were ≥ 15 for preop total CT scan score,  ≥ 378 × 106/L for preop absolute blood eosinophil count,  ≥ 6.5% for preop blood eosinophil percentage,  ≥ 14% for tissue eosinophil percentage,  ≥ 16 for absolute tissue eosinophil count, ≥ 1 for 6 months postop total nasal endoscopy score,  ≥ 2 for 6 months postop total CT scan score. eCRSwNP and neCRSwNP are two distinct endotypes of nasal polyps present in Indian population with CRSwNP. Two thirds of the patients with nasal polyps were eCRSwNP and the prevalence in Indian population is more than the East Asian population but less than the Western population. There is a high chance of recurrence and treatment failures for eCRSwNP than neCRSwNP. The cutoff points for various non invasive diagnostic predictors are useful to diagnose the patients with eCRSwNP during the outpatient visits and hence plan for better treatment strategies.

Improving predictability of IgE-high type 2 chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps in the biologic era

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory disease that may require biological therapy. Omalizumab is an anti-IgE biologic that was recently approved by the FDA and Health Canada for use in severe CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) recalcitrant to intranasal corticosteroids. Dosing is based on weight and pre-treatment serum IgE, with elevated levels of the latter being an indication for biologic treatment according to EPOS and EUFOREA guidelines. The goal of this study was to identify variables that predict IgE-high type 2 inflammation and serve as indicators for biologic treatment in CRS.

METHODS

Patients ≥ 19 yo diagnosed with CRS undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery were included retrospectively. Demographics, past medical history, preoperative blood work, Lund-Mackay (LM), Lund Kennedy (LK), and SNOT-22 scores were extracted. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. Model superiority was based on Nagelkerke R2 scores and receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients, average age 49.96 ± 13.59 years, were included. Sixty-one binary logistic regression models for elevated serum IgE were created. Among the top 3 models, the best model had sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values of 82.1, 69.2, 80.0, and 72.0. All performance measures except sensitivity exceeded the Canadian Biologics Guideline model. Serum eosinophils ≥ 300 cell/uL, CRSwNP and LM ≥ 17 increased the odds of elevated IgE.

CONCLUSIONS

IgE-high type-2 inflammation can be predicted by a model that includes eosinophil ≥ 300 cell/uL, CRSwNP, LM ≥ 17, asthma diagnosis and SNOT-22 ≥ 40. Patients meeting these parameters have a high pretest probability for elevated IgE and would benefit from IgE serology to determine qualification for omalizumab. This could reduce unwarranted IgE serology in patients with CRSwNP but also target a patient population for further workup that will lead to optimization of resource allocation and improve healthcare equity in rural and remote areas within Canada.

Preoperative Sinonasal Computed Tomography Score in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

This study investigated the relationship between sinonasal inflammatory involvement according to the computed tomography (CT) staging system (Lund–Mackay score) with clinical, laboratory, histopathological and prognostic features of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Seventy-eight patients with CRSwNP who had undergone surgery were enrolled. Total (p = 0.0062), ethmoid (p = 0.0496), sphenoid (p = 0.0335), ostiomeatal complex (OMC) (p = 0.0235) and frontal (p = 0.0164) CT scores were predictive of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) in the univariate analysis. Total (p = 0.0022), ethmoid (p = 0.0290), sphenoid (p = 0.0370), frontal (p = 0.0116), maxillary (p = 0.0357) and OMC (p = 0.0058) CT scores were predictve of asthma at the univariate analysis. No significant differences were found between patients with vs. without allergy in terms of total and partial CT scores. High blood eosinophil counts (>0.24 vs. ≤0.24 cells × 109/L) resulted in being associated with total (p = 0.0213), maxillary (p = 0.0227) and ethmoid (p = 0.0491) CT scores in the univariate analysis. Higher ethmoid (p = 0.0006) and total sinonasal (p = 0.0027) CT scores were found to predict histopathologically eosinophil CRSwNPs in the univariate analysis. CT scores did not result as predictive of NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease, asthma, or blood eosinophil count at the multivariate analysis. Risk of relapse was related to the presence of NERD (p = 0.0207, HR [95% CI] 3.914 [1.232–12.435]), higher preoperative total (HR = 1.098 95%CI: 1.001–1.204, p = 0.0486) and frontal sinus CT scores (HR = 1.555 95%CI: 1.006–1.886, p = 0.0218), but these results were not confirmed by the multivariable analysis. Sinonasal CT scores showed significant differences in this heterogeneous inflammatory condition. Identifying CRSwNP characteristics is necessary to avoid generic treatments with poor outcomes.