BackgroundSpecific IgE antibodies against the low-molecular-weight carbohydrate antigen that does not bridge IgE molecules on mast cells are not associated with clinical symptoms. Cross reactivity can be determined in allergen-specific IgE detection assays when the carbohydrate structures between pollen allergens and plant derived food allergens are similar; in such cases, false positive results for grain or legume allergens can be reported for pollen allergic patients who are not sensitized to those allergens. This phenomenon arises owing to the presence of cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs).ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the impact of CCD interference on the results for pollen allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the general adult population and to perform CCD inhibition tests evaluating the involvement of CCD on samples positive to pollen allergens.MethodsSerum samples from 322 subjects were tested for IgE antibodies to pollens and CCD. The research subjects were given questionnaires about pollen allergic symptoms to help assess the presence of allergies. Allergen IgE antibodies for Japanese cedar, Japanese cypress, orchard grass, ragweed, MUXF, bromelain, horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and ascorbate oxidase (ASOD) were analyzed.ResultsIt was observed that among individuals who tested positive to any of the pollen allergens, the positive ratio of CCD-specific IgE antibody was the highest for HRP (13.5%–50.0%). The results from the inhibition tests revealed that CCD was marginally present. Although IgE antibodies for cedar pollen did not react with CCD, IgE antibodies for Japanese cypress, orchard grass, and ragweed might be detected by the presence of CCD.ConclusionThe results of the inhibition tests revealed the obvious presence of CCD suggesting its involvement. Considering these findings, careful evaluation of patient IgE results should be performed for Japanese cypress, orchard grass, and ragweed.

Objective We investigated cases with opacification on maxillary sinus computed tomography (CT) among patients with rhinosinusitis with opacification in both paranasal sinuses (bilateral rhinosinusitis) to confirm the involvement of odontogenic infections. Methods This study included 75 patients who were diagnosed with bilateral rhinosinusitis based on clinical examination and evident opacification on at least one side on maxillary sinus imaging with computed tomography CT. The definition of odontogenic sinusitis was determined by examining EPT and oral findings, in addition to the CT and orthopantomography (OP), by one oral surgeon and two otolaryngologists. Results We found that 45.3% of patients had odontogenic infections, which were associated with multiple infected teeth in some cases. Odontogenic infection was observed in both sinuses in some patients. Sinusitis with polyps was frequently associated with dental infection, and some cases were also associated with mycosis. Almost no oral symptoms were observed. Conclusions The results suggest that clinicians should consider odontogenic infection in patients with bilateral rhinosinusitis with opacification, on at least one side on maxillary sinus imaging. This means that accurate diagnosis may be challenging for otolaryngologist or dentists alone, suggesting that a collaboration between the two would be suitable for this task.

NA. Laryngoscope, E377-E384, 2018.

No abstract

Orbitofrontal cholesterol granuloma is a rare occurrence. Here, we present a case involving a 64-year-old man with a recurrent orbitofrontal cholesterol granuloma treated by the Modified Lothrop (Draf III) procedure. The patient, who had a history of trauma and previous sinus surgery, presented with chief complaints of nasal congestion, olfactory impairment, and diplopia. We suspected chronic sinusitis; computed tomography showed a soft-tissue shadow extending from the bilateral frontal sinuses to the ethmoid sinuses, with a cyst in the right orbitofrontal region. We performed endoscopic surgery for removal of the mass, and histopathological analysis of the resected specimen confirmed a diagnosis of cholesterol granuloma. The lesion recurred 2 months later, and we performed revision surgery using the Modified Lothrop or Draf III procedure. The patient showed no relapse at the 5-year follow-up. These findings suggest that the Draf III procedure is an effective surgical treatment for cholesterol granulomas.