rhinosinusitis Flashcards
what is chronic rhinosinusitis
inflam disorder of paranasal sinuses + linings of nasal passages lasting >12wks
may present abruptly as nonspecific URI, acute over months or yrs, occasionally as sinusitis that fails to resolve, slowly + insidiously (may be relatively acute presentation w severe headaches or facial pain or visual changes)
3 subtypes of chronic rhinosinusitis
CRS w nasal polyposis (20-33%)
CRS w/o nasal polyposis (60-65%)
allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS 8-12%)
what age group is most affected by chronic rhinosinusitis
younger or middle-aged adults
but can also occur in children
risk factors for rhinosinusitis
allergic rhinitis
asthma
CRS pts are typically sensitized to perennial rather than seasonal allergies
smoking
sustained exposure to irritants/pollutants (Dec mucociliary function)
immunodeficiency
defects in mucociliary clearance (cystic fibrosis, nasal polyposis)
viral or dental infections
anatomic abnormalities
drug-resistant infections
diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis
12wk duration + 2/4 cardinal sx of CRS must be present
anterior and/or posterior mucopurulent drainage
nasal obstruction (bilateral)
facial pain, pressure +/or fullness
decreased sense of smell (cough in children)
CRS w nasal polyposis
presence of BILATERAL nasal polyps in middle meatus
what are nasal polyps
translucent, yellowish-gray to white, glistening masses filled w gelatinous inflamm material
can form in nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses
presentation of CRS w nasal polyposis
gradually worsening nasal congestion/obstruction
sinus fullness + pressure
fatige
posterior nasal drainage + hyposmia or anosmia
fever + severe facial pain (uncommon)
what is associated w CRS w nasal polyposis
asthma
ADR to aspirin + other COX-1 NSAIDs (occur w.i 1-4hrs after ingestion)
imaging for CRS w nasal polyposis
CT shows characteristically marked + bilateral mucosal thickening
density of polyps is similar to thickened mucosa but polyps are differentiated by shape + contours
sinus opacification in absence of facial pain/pressure/headaches is typical of pt w CRS w NP + is unlikely to represent chronic bacterial infection
how can you see nasal polyps
large polyps- anterior rhinoscopy
small polyps- nasal endoscopy or imaging
what is commonly mistaken for nasal polyps
swollen nasal turbinates
turbinates have similar appearance to nasal mucosa + are very sensitive to touch
where do nasal polyps typically begin to form
ostiomeatal complex
what is samters triad
pt has combo of astha, CRS w NP and aspirin sensitivity
what is aspirin sensitivity
non allergic- not IgE based, blockage of COX-1 leads to excess of leukotrienes
if a pt experiences onset of asthma as an adult is it a true allergy
no
presentation of CRS w/o polyposis
persistent sx w periodic exacerbations characterized by increased facial pain/pressure +/or increased anterior or posterior drainage
fatigue
absent or low grade fever
what pts get CRS w.o polyposis
allergic + nonallergic rhinitis
structural abnormalities
immunodeficiency
imaging of CRS w.o polyposis
CT shows sinus opacification or sinus ostial obstruction w nonpolypoid mucosal thickening of associated sinus cavity
tx of CRS w.o polyposis
recurrent acute rhinosinusitis sx- respond well to abx
what causes allergic fungal rhinosinusitis
chronic, intense allergic inflamm directed at colonizing fungi
presentation of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis
immunocompetent pt w allergy to 1+ fungi
presents subtly over years w symptoms similar to CRS w NP but has presence of allergic mucin containing viable fungal hyphae
usually have nasal polyposis
semi-solid nasal crusts or rubbery globs of dark-colored mucus periodically expelled
fever is uncommon
occasional pts present dramatically w complete nasal obstruction, gross facial asymmetry +/or visual changes
children may present w proptosis more commonly than adults
what distinguishes AFRS from CRS w NP?
presence of allergic mucin containing viable fungal hyphae
physical exam of pt w AFRS
purulent mucus or edema in middle meatus or ethmoid regions
polyps in nasal cavity or middle meatus
imaging for AFRS
CT scan of sinsues- modality of choice
usually reveals nasal polyposis w opacification in 1+sinus
characteristic CT finding- hyperattenuated mucin w.i opacified sinuses which indicate dense accumulation of allergic mucin
most common findings in CRS
mucosal thickening- suggests infection/obstruction of sinus ostium
obstruction of ostiomeatal complex- variable degrees
sinus opacification- complete filling of sinus w inflam material or fluid
in what conditions is sinus opacification seen
seen in persistent bacterial infection, purulent secretions, mucus inspissation, polypoid mucosal thickening or an accumulation of allergic mucin
diagnosis of CRS
1+ of the following
purulent mucus/edema in middle meatus or ethmoid regions
polyps in nasal cavity or middle meatus
radiographic imaging demonstrating mucosal thickening or partial or complete opacification of paranasal sinuses
can CRS be cured
most cases cannot
goal of tx of CRS
reduce sx + improve QOL
tx of CRS w NP
oral glucocorticoids (shrink polyps) nasal glucocorticoids to follow add leukotriene inhibitor for maintenance
tx of CRS w/o NP
oral glucocorticoids Abx for 6wks (7days after sx clear) follow w nasal glucocorticoids 2nd gen H1 antihistamines leukotriene inhibitors
tx of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis
surgery to remove inspissated mucus
prolonged course of oral glucocorticoids