Allergy and Fungal Screens in Chronic Sinusitis

Abstract

Thirty-three patients with chronic sinusitis severe enough to warrant surgery were prospectively screened for atopic disease and fungal sensitivity by history, total IgE levels, an allergen-specific IgE screen panel and fungal IgE levels. Total IgE was elevated in 10 of 31 patients measured. A positive “screen” panel (milk, Candida, house dust, white ash, timothy grass, ragweed) was noted in 57.5%. Fungal sensitivity to one or more of the following molds, Aspergillus, Mucor, Alternaria, Candida, Cladosporium, Penicillin notatum, Helminthosporium, or Curvularia, was noted in 51.5%. Seventeen patients had both positive atopic and fungal screens. All those with positive fungal screens also had positive atopic screens. The predictive value of allergy screens may be useful when the incidence in the population to be tested is 50% or greater. This study suggests that use of allergy screens and/or screens for fungal IgE may have a predictive value of 90% or greater with chronic sinus disease. Measurements of total IgE do not appear to add useful information and have a low predictive value as a test. Preliminary conclusions suggest that the incidence of atopy and elevated fungal IgE is high in patients with chronic sinusitis. Screens for allergies and fungal IgE may be useful to identify patients for further evaluation.