Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in the Department of Defense.

Objective The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation clinical practice guideline (CPG) proposes recommendations regarding sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). SSNHL is managed by primary care, emergency medicine, and otolaryngology providers in the Department of Defense (DoD). However, their adherence to this CPG is unknown. We sought to determine provider compliance and identify areas for improvement. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting DoD's electronic medical record. Subjects and Methods Patients with SSNHL (N = 204) were treated between March 1, 2012, and September 30, 2015. Time from onset of symptoms to evaluation by primary care, emergency department, audiology, and otolaryngology providers and treatments were analyzed. Results The average interval from onset of symptoms to evaluation by a primary care or emergency department provider was 4.86 days (95% CI, 3.46-6.26). Time from presentation to ear, nose, and throat and audiologic evaluation was 15.26 days (95% CI, 12.34-18.20) and 14.16 days (95% CI, 11.31-17.01), respectively. Diagnostic workup included magnetic resonance imaging (n = 150, 73.5%), computed tomography (n = 28, 13.7%), and laboratory testing (n = 50, 24.5%). Oral steroids were used in 137 (67.2%) patients, with 78.8% treated with the recommended dose. Intratympanic steroids were utilized in 65 (31.9%) patients, with variable dosing. Conclusion The DoD is uniquely positioned to evaluate adherence to CPGs on national and international levels given the robust and standardized electronic medical record. Areas of improvement include timely identification of SSNHL with rapid referral to ear, nose, and throat and audiology providers; minimizing unnecessary imaging, laboratory testing, and medications; and correct dosing of oral and intratympanic steroids.

Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Effects of Balloon Catheter Dilation on "Sinus Pressure" / Barometric Headaches.

Objective To determine if balloon catheter dilation of sinus ostia affects the severity or frequency of headache among patients who have barometric pressure-related "sinus" headache. Study Design Prospective single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Setting Tertiary care medical center. Subjects and Methods Subjects with a diagnosis of sinus pressure headache without evidence of mucosal thickening on computed tomography were recruited. Subjects were blinded and randomized to undergo balloon dilation of affected sinus ostia (active treatment) or balloon dilation in the nasal cavity (placebo). Two balloon devices were utilized (Acclarent and Entellus) and outcomes compared. Subjects were followed with pre- and postprocedure SNOT-22 scores (Sinonasal Outcome Test-22), HIT-6 scores (Headache Impact Test-6), and medication utilization logs for 6 months. Results There was no statistically significant difference in SNOT-22 or HIT-6 scores between the arms at any time point. However, both arms experienced statistically and clinically significant decreases in SNOT-22 and HIT-6 scores from preprocedure to 6 months postprocedure. There was no statistically significant difference in SNOT-22 or HIT-6 score reductions between the Entellus and Acclarent devices. There was no statistically significant difference in medication utilization between the groups at any time point. Conclusions Subjects with sinus pressure headache without evidence of mucosal thickening on computed tomography had no significant difference in outcomes between active treatment (balloon dilation of sinus ostia) and placebo (nasal dilation). Further study on the etiology and effective treatment of barometric pressure / "sinus" headache is needed.

Thromboprophylaxis and the route of administration of chemotherapy in testicular cancer patients in German-speaking countries.

PURPOSE: Due to the excellent cure rates for testicular cancer (TC), focus has shifted towards decreasing therapy-related morbidities. Thrombosis is a frequent complication of cisplatin chemotherapy. Furthermore, the optimal route of administration for chemotherapy is still under debate. The purpose of this study was to assess the patterns of care concerning dosing and duration of thromboprophylaxis currently utilized in TC patients in German-speaking countries as well as the route of chemotherapy administration. METHODS: A standardized questionnaire was sent to all members of the German TC Study Group (GTCSG) and to all the urological university hospitals in Germany. The questionnaire was also sent to the oncologic clinics at those universities where urologists do not administer chemotherapy. RESULTS: The response rate was 87% (55/63). Prophylactic anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was administered in 94% of the clinics. The dosing of LMWH was prophylactic (85%), high prophylactic (adjusted to bodyweight) (7%), or risk adapted (9%). After completion of chemotherapy, anticoagulation was continued in 15 clinics (33%) for 2 to 24 weeks, while the remainder stopped the LMWH upon cessation of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was administered via central venous access in 59%, peripheral IV in 27%, or both in 14% of the clinics. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the institutions performed some form of thromboprophylaxis, although the modes of application varied by institution type and amongst the urologists and oncologists. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the incidence, date of occurrence, and risk factors of venous thrombosis during TC chemotherapy to provide a recommendation concerning prophylactic anticoagulation.

Applicant Perspectives on the Otolaryngology Residency Application Process.

Importance: It has been nearly 25 years since medical students were queried regarding their perspectives on otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) residency selection. Understanding this viewpoint is critical to improving the current application process. Objective: To evaluate the perceptions of 2016 OHNS residency applicants regarding the application process and offer suggestions for reform. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this cross-sectional study of anonymous online survey data, a 14-question survey was designed based on resources obtained from a computerized PubMed, Ovid, and GoogleScholar database search of the English language from January 1, 1990, through December 31, 2015, was conducted using the following search terms: (medical student OR applicant) AND (application OR match) AND otolaryngology. The survey was administered to 2016 OHNS residency applicants to examine 4 primary areas: current attitudes toward the match, effect of the new Otolaryngology Program Directors Organization personal statement mandate, sources of advice and information, and suggestions for improvement. In January 2016, an email was sent to 100 program directors asking them to distribute the survey to current OHNS applicants at their institution. One follow-up reminder email was sent in February 2016. A link to the survey was posted on the Otomatch.com homepage on January 28, 2016, with the last response received on March 28, 2016. Main Outcome and Measures: Survey responses regarding the residency application process. Results: A total of 150 of 370 residency applicants (40.5%) responded to the survey. Of these, 125 respondents (90.6%) noted applying to programs in which they had no specific interest simply to improve their chances of matching. Applicants intended to apply to more programs than they actually did (63.6 vs 60.8; r = 0.19; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.40). Program directors advised fewer applications than other sources; however, 58 respondents (38.7%) did not receive advice from a program director. A total of 121 respondents (80.7%) found online program information to be insufficient. Finally, 90 of 140 respondents (64.3%) noted that they would agree to a hard cap on applications, among other suggestions for improvement. Conclusions and Relevance: Several main themes emerged from the data, providing a foundation for process improvement opportunities: careful consideration to applicant mentorship, including peers; uniform set of criteria for residency program websites; and investigating alternative match platforms, which may allow hard caps, flagging programs of higher interest, or wave application cycles. Overall, the otolaryngology applicant provides a unique perspective regarding the current state of the match and potential opportunities for system-wide improvement.

The State of the Otolaryngology Match: A Review of Applicant Trends, "Impossible" Qualifications, and Implications.

Objective This State of the Art Review aims (1) to define recent qualifications of otolaryngology resident applicants by focusing on United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores, Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) status, and research/publications and (2) to summarize the current literature regarding the relationship between these measures and performance in residency. Data Sources Electronic Residency Application Service, National Residency Matching Program, PubMed, Ovid, and GoogleScholar. Review Methods Electronic Residency Application Service and National Residency Matching Program data were analyzed to evaluate trends in applicant numbers and qualifications. Additionally, a literature search was performed with the aforementioned databases to identify relevant articles published in the past 5 years that examined USMLE Step 1 scores, AOA status, and research/publications. Conclusions Compared with other highly competitive fields over the past 3 years, the only specialty with decreasing applicant numbers is otolaryngology, with the rest remaining relatively stable or slightly increased. Additionally, USMLE Step 1 scores, AOA status, and research/publications do not reliably correlate with performance in residency. Implications for Practice The consistent decline in applications for otolaryngology residency is concerning and reflects a need for change in the current stereotype of the "ideal" otolaryngology applicant. This includes consideration of additional selection measures focusing on noncognitive and holistic qualities. Furthermore, otolaryngology faculty should counsel medical students that applying in otolaryngology is not "impossible" but rather a feasible and worthwhile endeavor.

Improving Otolaryngology Residency Selection Using Principles from Personnel Psychology.

There has been a heightened focus on improving the resident selection process, particularly within highly competitive specialties. Previous research, however, has generally lacked a theoretical background, leading to inconsistent and biased results. Our recently published systematic review examining applicant characteristics and performance in residency can provide historical insight into the predictors (ie, constructs) and outcomes (ie, criteria) previously deemed pertinent by the otolaryngology community. Personnel psychology uses evidence-based practices to identify the most qualified candidates for employment using a variety of selection methods. Extensive research in this discipline has shown that integrity tests, structured interviews, work samples, and conscientiousness offer the greatest increase in validity when combined with general cognitive ability. Blending past research knowledge with the principles of personnel selection can provide the necessary foundation with which to engage in theory-driven, longitudinal studies on otolaryngology resident selection moving forward.

Associations between Otolaryngology Applicant Characteristics and Future Performance in Residency or Practice: A Systematic Review.

Objective This systematic review aims to evaluate which applicant characteristics available to an otolaryngology selection committee are associated with future performance in residency or practice. Data Sources PubMed, Scopus, ERIC, Health Business, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and SocINDEX. Review Methods Study eligibility was performed by 2 independent investigators in accordance with the PRISMA protocol (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses). Data obtained from each article included research questions, study design, predictors, outcomes, statistical analysis, and results/findings. Study bias was assessed with the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. Results The initial search identified 439 abstracts. Six articles fulfilled all inclusion and exclusion criteria. All studies were retrospective cohort studies (level 4). Overall, the studies yielded relatively few criteria that correlated with residency success, with generally conflicting results. Most studies were found to have a high risk of bias. Conclusion Previous resident selection research has lacked a theoretical background, thus predisposing this work to inconsistent results and high risk of bias. The included studies provide historical insight into the predictors and criteria (eg, outcomes) previously deemed pertinent by the otolaryngology field. Additional research is needed, possibly integrating aspects of personnel selection, to engage in an evidence-based approach to identify highly qualified candidates who will succeed as future otolaryngologists.

The Nasal Fracture Algorithm: A Case for Protocol-Driven Management to Optimize Care and Resident Work Hours.

Since the initiation of resident duty hour restrictions, significant controversy has arisen regarding its impact on surgical resident training. We reviewed a singular facet of the otolaryngology residency experience, nasal bone fracture management, to identify if treatment standardization would improve care and efficiency. For 1 year, otolaryngology consults for isolated nasal fractures were analyzed to assess consultation trends, rate of intervention, and resident work hour utilization. Following a review of the literature, an evidence-based algorithm for management of nasal fractures was developed. Analysis revealed a potential improvement in intervention rate from 20% to 100% with utilization of the algorithm, with an 84% decrease in overall emergency room and inpatient consultations. Sixty-three hours of otherwise lost resident time would be gained. In the setting of Accreditation for Graduate Medical Education duty hour restrictions, implementation of protocol-driven management may result in a decrease in work hours and serve as a model for more efficient otolaryngology care.

Integrating Morbidity and Mortality Core Competencies and Quality Improvement in Otolaryngology.

Importance: To date, an otolaryngology-specific morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference has never been reported or evaluated. Objective: To propose a novel otolaryngology-specific M&M format and to assess its success using a validated assessment tool. Design, Setting, and Participants: Preintervention and postintervention cohort study spanning 14 months (September 2014 to November 2015), with 32 faculty, residents, and medical students attending the department of otolaryngology M&M conference, conducted at the the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium. Interventions: A novel quality assurance conference was implemented in the department of otolaryngology at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium. This conference incorporates patient safety reports, otolaryngology-specific quality metrics, and individual case presentations. The revised format integrates the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies and Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (QI/PS) system. This format was evaluated by faculty, residents, and medical students every other month for 14 months to assess changes in attitudes regarding the M&M conference as well as changes in presentation quality. Results: Overall, 13 faculty, 12 residents, and 7 medical students completed 232 evaluations. Summary statistics of both resident and faculty attitudes about the success of the M&M format seem to improve over the 14 months between the prequestionnaires and postquestionnaires. General attitudes for both residents and faculty significantly improved from the pretest to posttest (odds ratio, 0.32 per month; 95% CI, 0.29-0.35). In the pretest period, "established presentation format" was considered the most necessary improvement, whereas in the posttest period this changed to "incorporate more QI." For resident presentations evaluated using the situation, background, assessment, and review/recommendations (SBAR) tool, all evaluations, from all participants, improved over time. Conclusions and Relevance: The M&M conference is an essential component of all otolaryngology residency programs and provides a unique opportunity to successfully incorporate the ACGME core competencies and regularly implement QI/PS.

Balloon dilation of sinus ostia in the Department of Defense: Diagnoses, actual indications, and outcomes.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine the primary diagnoses for which balloon catheter dilation (BCD) of sinus ostia is being employed in a profit-blind health care system, the Department of Defense. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: From January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013, 319 consecutive patient charts were reviewed for International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition (ICD-9) diagnoses, presence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) defined by the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS), preoperative Lund-Mackay scores, nasal endoscopy findings, sinuses dilated, postoperative outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: Of the 319 patients identified, 217 had sufficient documentation to be included. A CRS ICD-9 code was applied in 182 of 217 (83.9%) and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis in 12 of 217 (5.6%). Only 50.5% of CRS patient charts met criteria using EPOS guidelines. In contrast, 39.6% met the ICD-9 criteria for atypical facial pain. Patients with Lund-Mackay scores ≤ 4 were reviewed for number of sinuses dilated. Eighty-eight of 123 patients (71.5%) had sinuses dilated that were free from opacification/mucosal edema on preoperative imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Balloon dilation of sinus ostia has an expanding role in treating sinus disease. In the studied population, BCD is often utilized for alternate indications for which there is currently no evidence of efficacy. Future studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this technology in treating these alternate indications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:544-549, 2017.

Recent advances in the surgical management of rhinosinusitis.

Rhinosinusitis affects a significant portion of the US population, and its management imposes a substantial burden on the healthcare system. The treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis includes initial medical management prior to consideration of surgical intervention. However, if surgery does become necessary, several factors must be considered in order to optimize outcomes. This review evaluates surgical patient selection, perioperative medical management, and the extent of operative intervention, with the goal of improving surgical results, decreasing the need for revision surgery, and enhancing the patient's quality of life. Specific variations in patient genotypes and phenotypes will be further explored with regard to their implications on surgical outcomes. Additionally, the evidence behind pre- and post-operative antibiotic and steroid use will be evaluated. Finally, we will review evolving surgical tools and techniques that are currently being utilized for the treatment of specific subsets of rhinosinusitis.

Clinical Practice Guidelines: Whose Practice Are We Guiding?

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) has just released an update to the clinical practice guideline (CPG) on otitis media with effusion. This common condition is frequently managed by primary care providers; however, their awareness and utilization of the AAO-HNSF CPGs are unknown. We performed a cross-sectional survey to assess familiarity with otologic diagnoses, evaluation skills, and guidelines. Only 38.5% of respondents use pneumatic otoscopy, and roughly 50% utilize a CPG for management of otitis media or for referral for tympanostomy tube insertion. Providers predominantly use the acute otitis media guideline from the American Academy of Pediatrics. In this single-institution study, providers are largely unaware of the AAO-HNSF CPGs and could benefit from additional training, including workshops taught by otolaryngologists within individual health care systems or development of a national otolaryngology medical student curriculum. A more immediate option includes referencing our CPGs on specialty societies' websites or newsletters.

Programmatic Assessment of a Comprehensive Quality Improvement Curriculum in an Otolaryngology Residency.

To date, there is minimal literature discussing quality improvement curricula in otolaryngology. Herein, we present our program, including didactic, web-based, and experiential learning, developed in the setting of a preexisting institutional quality and safety policy. Nine otolaryngology residents were evaluated with assessments focused on learner satisfaction, learner attitudes, and knowledge acquisition according to the Kirkpatrick framework. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare results. While the total score increased across all assessments, it was significant for only the Quality Improvement Knowledge Application Tool Revised (P < .05). We find our initial learning outcomes encouraging and hope that our comprehensive curriculum can serve as a resource to other programs, which can be adapted to fit within the context of variable training environments. Furthermore, it is imperative to consider continuous assessment and refinement of any educational program, using the same quality improvement principles that we endeavor to teach.

Periostin and receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand expression in allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is a disease demonstrating substantial eosinophilic inflammation and characteristic radiographic bony erosion/expansion. Periostin is an extracellular matrix protein associated with eosinophil accumulation in eosinophilic esophagitis, allergic asthma mucus production, and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) polyp formation. Receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANKL) is an osteoclast activator present in osteoporosis and periodontal disease. We sought to evaluate periostin and RANKL expression in AFRS and correlate these levels with radiographic scales of disease severity. METHODS: Thirty sinus tissue specimens were intraoperatively collected from 3 patient groups: AFRS; CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP); and controls (n = 10 per group). Specimens were analyzed by semiquantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (sq-RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence (IF) labeling/confocal microscopy for the presence of both periostin and RANKL. Immunofluorescence staining intensity was quantified by pixel density analysis. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans from each patient were scored using both the Lund-Mackay and CT bone erosion scoring systems. RESULTS: Periostin was significantly elevated in AFRS sinus tissue compared to CRSsNP and controls, as demonstrated by IF (p < 0.001) and PCR (p = 0.011). RANKL was not detected in sinus tissue by IF or PCR. Periostin levels positively correlated with radiographic indices of disease severity for both soft tissue and bone, using Lund-Mackay (r = 0.926 [PCR] and r = 0.581 [IF]) and CT bone erosion (r = 0.672 [PCR] and r = 0.616 [IF]) scoring systems, respectively. CONCLUSION: Periostin is increased in AFRS tissue compared to CRSsNP and controls. Periostin levels positively correlate with radiologic disease severity scores. The increased levels of periostin in AFRS are possibly tied to its intense eosinophilic inflammatory etiology.

Interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 compromise the sinonasal epithelial barrier and perturb intercellular junction protein expression.

BACKGROUND: Altered expression of epithelial intercellular junction proteins has been observed in sinonasal biopsies from nasal polyps and epithelial layers cultured from nasal polyp patients. These alterations comprise a "leaky" epithelial barrier phenotype. We hypothesize that T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 modulate epithelial junction proteins, thereby contributing to the leaky epithelial barrier. METHODS: Differentiated primary sinonasal epithelial layers cultured at the air-liquid interface were exposed to IL-4, IL-13, and controls for 24 hours at 37°C. Epithelial resistance measurements were taken every 4 hours during cytokine exposure. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining/confocal microscopy were used to assess changes in a panel of tight and adherens junction proteins. Western blot densitometry was quantified with image analysis. RESULTS: IL-4 and IL-13 exposure resulted in a mean decrease in transepithelial resistance at 24 hours to 51.6% (n = 6) and 68.6% (n = 8) of baseline, respectively. Tight junction protein junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A) expression decreased 42.2% with IL-4 exposure (n = 9) and 37.5% with IL-13 exposure (n = 9). Adherens junction protein E-cadherin expression decreased 35.3% with IL-4 exposure (n = 9) and 32.9% with IL-13 exposure (n = 9). Tight junction protein claudin-2 showed more variability but had a trend toward higher expression with Th2 cytokine exposure. There were no appreciable changes in claudin-1, occludin, or zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) with IL-4 or IL-13 exposure. CONCLUSION: Sinonasal epithelial exposure to Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 results in alterations in intercellular junction proteins, reflecting increased epithelial permeability. Such changes may explain some of the phenotypic manifestations of Th2-mediated sinonasal disease, such as edema, nasal discharge, and environmental reactivity.

Unilateral cochlear nerve deficiency in children.

OBJECTIVE: Cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) is increasingly diagnosed in children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). We sought to determine the prevalence of CND, its imaging characteristics, and correlations with audiologic phenotype in children with unilateral SNHL. DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Tertiary pediatric hospital. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In 128 consecutive children with unilateral SNHL who underwent high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging, the diameters, area, and signal intensity of the cochlear nerve (CN) were measured and normalized to the ipsilateral facial nerve. Presence of CND was determined by comparison to normative data. Relationships among hearing loss severity, progression, and nerve size were investigated. RESULTS: Cochlear nerve deficiency was present in 26% of children with unilateral SNHL. Its prevalence was higher (48%) in severe to profound SNHL, especially when in infants (100%). Width of the bony cochlear nerve canal (BCNC) correlated strongly with relative CN diameter, density, and area (R = 0.5); furthermore, a narrow BCNC (<1.7 mm) strongly predicted CND. Severity of hearing loss modestly correlated with nerve size, although significant variability was observed. Progression never occurred unless there were other inner ear malformations, whereas in the non-CND group, it occurred in 22%. Ophthalmologic abnormalities were very common (67%) in CND children, particularly oculomotor disturbances. CONCLUSION: Cochlear nerve deficiency is a common cause of unilateral SNHL, particularly in congenital unilateral deafness. Width of the BCNC effectively predicts CND, a finding useful when only computed tomography imaging is available. In an ear with CND, hearing can be expected to remain stable over time. Diagnosis should prompt evaluation by an ophthalmologist.

Incidental sinonasal findings identified during preoperative evaluation for endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches.

BACKGROUND: The endoscopic transsphenoidal approach (eTSA) to lesions of the sellar region is typically performed jointly by neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists. Occasionally, the approach is significantly altered by sinonasal disease, anatomic variants, or previous surgery. However, there are no current guidelines that describe which physical or radiological findings should prompt a change in the plan of care. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of sinonasal pathology or anatomic variants noted endoscopically or by imaging that altered preoperative or intraoperative management. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 355 consecutive patients who underwent combined neurosurgery-otolaryngology endoscopic sella approach from August 1, 2007 to April 1, 2011. Our practice in these patients involves preoperative otolaryngology clinical evaluation and MRI review. Intraoperative image guidance is not routinely used in uncomplicated eTSA. RESULTS: The most common management alteration was the addition of image guidance based on anatomic variants on MRI, which occurred in 81 patients (35.0%). Eight patients (2.9%) were preoperatively treated with antibiotics and surgery was postponed secondary to acute or chronic purulent rhinosinusitis; two (0.7%) required functional endoscopic sinus surgery for medically refractory disease before eTSA. Five patients (1.8%) required anterior septoplasty intraoperatively for severe nasal septal deviation. Two patients (0.7%) had inverted papilloma and one patient had esthesioneuroblastoma identified preoperatively during rigid nasal endoscopy. CONCLUSION: This is one of the larger reviews of patients undergoing eTSA for sellar lesions and the only study that describes how intraoperative management may be altered by preoperative sinonasal evaluation. We found a significant incidence of sinonasal pathology and anatomic variants that altered routine operative planning; therefore, a thorough sinonasal evaluation is warranted in these cases.

Chapter 7: Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is a type of chronic rhinosinusitis in which patients classically exhibit nasal polyps, type I IgE-mediated hypersensitivity, characteristic findings on computed tomography scans, eosinophilic mucin, and positive fungal stain. New research has sought to further understand the pathophysiology of AFRS. However, this has also led to debate about the classification and predominance of this interesting disease process. Historically, patients with AFRS are immunocompetent. The disease is most prevalent in the southeast and south central United States and typically presents with sinus pressure, hyposmia, and congestion. Radiographically, cases of AFRS have a distinct appearance, often exhibiting unilateral heterogeneously dense material, which may erode and expand the paranasal sinus bony walls. Treatment typically consists of surgery, sinonasal irrigations, and topical and systemic steroids, all with the effort to decrease the fungal load and antigenic response. Immunotherapy is also often included in the treatment regimen for AFRS.