J Rhinol.
2005 Nov;12(2):75-80.
Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. hjdhong@smc.samsung.co.kr
Abstract
- Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) is a benign, noninvasive variety of fungal sinusitis. AFS was first reported in 1983. The first case of AFS was associated with Aspergillus. However, it is now clear that most cases of AFS are caused by non-Aspergillus species. AFS is more frequently encountered at present due to changes in fungal taxonomy and improved culture techniques. There is a geographical difference in the incidence of AFS. It accounts for 5% to 10% of all cases of chronic rhinosinusitis requiring surgical intervention in the United States and has become a subject of increasing interest to otolaryngologists and related specialists. However, only 2 cases of AFS have been reported in Korea. It is extremely important to recognize AFS and to differentiate it from chronic bacterial sinusitis or other types of fungal sinusitis because the treatment and prognosis of these disorders are significantly different. The prognosis and optimum treatment of AFS are still unknown. This article reviews the current understanding of epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis and reatment of AFS.
