Density of middle turbinate subepithelial mucous glands in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVE

Histologic changes have not been systematically assessed in chronic rhinosinusitis. Quantitative histochemical studies evaluated the extent of sinus disease and gland density in the middle turbinates.

STUDY DESIGN AND

SETTING

Sinus computed tomography scans of 34 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were retrospectively graded 0 to IV according to the May classification. Middle turbinates from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (n = 46) and normal patients (n = 7) were harvested during endoscopic sinus surgery. The areas of Alcian blue-stained glands were assessed in paraffin sections using a computer-assisted microscopy video system.

RESULTS

Alcian blue-stained glands occupied 7.94% of normal mucosa. The staining in all grade III rhinosinusitis subjects was increased to 12.94% (P < 0.01). In contrast, grade IV pansinusitis was associated with nasal polyposis (6 of 6) with decreased gland area (3.04%, P < 0.01). When polyp patients were excluded from grade III rhinosinusitis, the Alcian blue-staining area was 17.68% (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Distinct polypoid and glandular histopathologic patterns are present in chronic rhinosinusitis.