Common variable immunodeficiency syndrome: a difficult diagnostic problem.

OBJECTIVE

We present a rare case of an adult male with undiagnosed common variable immunodeficiency syndrome who presented to the ENT department with refractory chronic sinusitis and otitis media with effusion.

METHOD: Case report and a review of the international literature concerning common variable immunodeficiency syndrome in adults and upper respiratory tract involvement.

RESULTS

A 37-year-old male presented to the ENT department with refractory chronic sinusitis and otitis media with effusion. The diagnosis of common variable immunodeficiency syndrome was delayed, and difficult, primarily due to minimal symptoms with no lower respiratory tract involvement and negative past or family medical history.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis helps to prevent morbidity and even mortality. This article highlights how difficult and important it is to make an early diagnosis of common variable immunodeficiency syndrome. Early diagnosis will only be made by increased awareness of this condition.