Study to Determine the Incidence of Allergic Fungal Sinusitis among Patients with Nasal Polyps and Its Related Risk Factors

Abstract

Aim: To govern the incidence of allergic fungal sinusitis in patients with nasal polyposis. Various anatomical risk factors were also investigated, including turbinate hypertrophy, deviated nasal septum and comorbidities such as asthma and diabetes. Study Design: This is a Descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and duration of study:The study was conducted at ENT Head &Neck Surgery department, Lady Reading Hospital MTI, Peshawar and Azra Nahid Medical College, Lahore for the duration of six months from May 2020 to October 2020. Methods: 110 patients with nasal polyps were evaluated and operated on. Samples were sent for histopathological examination and culture. All patients were assessed with clinical examination and detailed history. Laboratory tests were performed including complete blood counts, urea, electrolytes, ECG and chest radiographs for the suitability of general anesthesia as a prerequisite for surgery. In 95% of cases, computed tomography was recommended to check for sinus involvement, bone erosion, osteo-hypertrophic complex, turbinate hypertrophy, nasal septal deviation, and intracranial and intra-orbital enlargement. MRI examinations were also recommended in cases of suspected intraocular and intracranial disease (5%). Data was scrutinized on a computer using SPSS version 22.0. Results:Of the 110 patients, 65 were male and 45 were female, with a mean age of 1and ranged from 7 to 80 years. All patients had nasal polyps. The incidence of AFS was approximately 29.1% and the remaining 78 had a different pathology. Major deviation of the nasal septum and bilateral hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate’s were observed in 6 (18.7%) and 4 (12.5%) patients, respectively. Unilateral nasal polyps were observed in 7 (21.9%) patients and bilateral nasal polyps in 18 (52.3%). 19/32 (59.4%) of the cases underwent functional endoscopic surgery of the paranasal sinuses, and in 6 (18.7%) external fronto-ethmoidectomy. Two patients underwent nasal ethmoidectomy. Septoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery were performed in a total of 3 (9.37%) cases. Key words:Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS).