Submitted by helenfindon on 17 January 2019
Allergic Fungal Sinusitis (AFS) is a common type of fungal infection which affects the sinuses. The infection is caused by fungi which are found in the environment and cause an allergic reaction in patients which results in very thick mucus, fungal debris collecting in the sinuses and blocked sinuses. Patients often have symptoms such as allergies, nasal polyps and sometimes asthma too. If left untreated, AFS can develop into a chronic condition, Fungal Chronic Rhinosinusitis (FCRS) affecting the senses of smell and sight.
A new study published this week by researchers in France provides useful information that can help clinicians to diagnose AFS before patients undergo surgery for CRS.
The researchers studied a group of 75 patients for 12 months, who had all been recommended for surgery to treat their CRS. They looked for a variety of criteria that would have allowed the diagnosis of AFS before surgery, these included:
• Blood tests to look for immune system markers such as immunoglobulin E and white blood cells.
• CAT scans
• MRI scans
• Microscopic examination of the debris and mucus found in the sinuses
The study found that Aspergillus was the most commonly isolated species of fungus in the study (65%) and results suggest that ASF can be reliably diagnosed by measuring total and anti-Aspergillus IgE levels and undertaking sinus MRI and CT scans.
Currently, definitive diagnosis of AFS is only confirmed after surgery has taken place by looking at the pathology of material recovered from the sinuses. Describing new diagnostic indicators will help to support the decision to undergo complete surgical removal of fungal debris and mucus plugs from patients with CRS.
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