Total IgE levels and peripheral eosinophilia: correlation with mucosal disease based on computed tomographic imaging of the paranasal sinus.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the relationship among peripheral eosinophilia, total IgE, and paranasal sinus mucosal disease based on computed tomography (CT) of the sinus.


METHODS
Retrospective review of a large medical information database from a tertiary referral medical center.


METHODS
Tertiary referral medical center specializing in respiratory disorders.


METHODS
Consecutive patients having total IgE and peripheral eosinophil levels and sinus CT imaging available for review. Patients 18 years or older were included; subjective or objective evidence of chronic rhinosinusitis was not used as selection criteria. A total of 303 patients were found to have peripheral eosinophil levels and CT imaging for review; 288 patients had total IgE levels and CT imaging.


METHODS
Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate (1) the correlation between peripheral eosinophil level and CT stage of sinus disease and (2) the correlation between total IgE level and CT stage of sinus disease. The CT scans were graded using the Lund-MacKay scoring system.


RESULTS
There was a significant positive correlation between sinus CT stage and peripheral eosinophil levels (r=0.60, P<.05). Eighty-nine percent of the abnormal eosinophil counts (>550 cells/microL) were associated with CT scores higher than 12. Total IgE did not correlate with CT stage of disease (r=0.05, P>.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of peripheral eosinophilia indicates a high likelihood of mucosal sinus disease based on CT imaging. No correlation was noted between total IgE levels and CT stage of mucosal disease. These data support a link between eosinophilia and the presence of paranasal sinus mucosal inflammation.
Poznanovic
Sheri A
SA
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, and National Jewish Medical and Research Center, 4200 E Ninth Ave, SOM Room 1812, B-205, Denver, CO 80262, USA.
Kingdom
Todd T
TT
D019992:Databases as Topic; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood*; D016014:Linear Models; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D007073:Immunoglobulin E