[Allergic fungal sinusitis].
Allergic fungal sinusitis is a recently described clinical entity that has gained increased attention as a cause of chronic sinusitis. Consist in a benign noninvasive sinus disease related to a hypersensitivity reaction to fungal antigens. It should be suspected in any atopic patient with refractory nasal polyps. Computed tomography (CT) findings are characteristics, but not diagnostic. Diagnosis requires show allergic mucin in the histopathologic examination and hiphae in special fungal stains. The suitable treatment includes the allergic mucin removal and sinus aeration accomplished endoscopically, perioperative systemic steroids and immunotherapy with fungal antigens. We present a case of this kind of chronic sinusitis describing the characteristic histopathologic and radiologic findings, the pathogenic theories and recent advances in immunotherapy.
Servicio de ORL, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Maestro Alonso, 109, 03010 Alicante.
J R
JR
Gras
J
J
Lafarga
J M
JM
Ronda
M
M
Trigueros
M
M
Sancho
A
A
Aracil
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000382:microbiology*; D009181:Mycoses; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000382:microbiology*