Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis in chronic rhinosinusitis patients in the northwest of Turkey.
Patients and methods: Eighty-seven patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis and who were planned endonasal sinus surgery were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients were evaluated by detailed clinical examination, computed tomography, skin test against allergens, total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody, fungal-specific IgE antibody, and histopathologic and mycologic monitoring.
Results: Fungal elements showing tissue invasiveness were detected in only four patients. These patients had specific IgE against Aspergillus fumigatus (4.6%). Skin tests were positive for at least one allergen in 16 patients (18.3%).
Conclusion: None of the patients met diagnostic criteria for allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. This result may be due to the diversity in disease prevalence based on geographical location or diagnostic methods.