Histopathologic Analysis of Chronic Sinusitis

Abstract

Histology of sinusitis has been well described in qualitative terms. However, to date no attempts have been made to provide criteria to judge the severity of inflammation in sinusitis. In this study we attempted to evaluate and quantify the inflammatory process in sinusitis. The pathological specimens of patients undergoing surgery for chronic sinusitis was evaluated and scored on a 0–4 + scale based on the severity of inflammation. In addition, each case was analyzed for cellular infiltrate. Ten high power fields were randomly examined, with mean cell counts per high power field recorded for lymphocytes, eosinophils, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and total cells. Results indicate that the 0–4 + scale is a poor predictor of inflammatory density. Furthermore, a spectrum of severity from normal to dense cellular infiltrates is seen. Correlation to computer tomography staging is presented.