Clinical characteristics and treatment of unilateral allergic fungal rhinosinusitis: a retrospective case series and literature review

To retrospectively summarize the clinical manifestations, pathological characteristics, and efficacy of unilateral allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS), we analyzed the clinical data of 23 patients diagnosed with unilateral AFRS in a teaching hospital setting. All the patients showed positive reaction for fungal allergens via the skin prick test or serum-specific IgE test. CT scan showed lesions of the sinuses were unilateral. The average postoperative follow-up time was 72 months. Among the cases, 20 cases were cured, and 3 cases were improved. The VAS score decreased from 8.5 preoperatively to 1.1 postoperatively. The eosinophilic mucin, typical CT findings, and fungal-specific type I hypersensitivity are the three clinical features of AFRS. Endoscopic sinus surgery and oral glucocorticoids are effective treatments for AFRS.