Examination of ectopic lymphoid nodules in the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa

Abstract

Ectopic lymphoid nodules (ELNs) were found in the inferior nasal concha mucosa in 27 of 40 allergic rhinitis (AR) cases. There were significant differences between the patients with and without ENLs in the number of the eosinophils in the mucosa, the blood eosinophils %, and in the serum level of IgE. On the other hand, the serum levels of IgG4 in the two groups did not differ to a statistically significant extent. ENLs were detected in the paranasal mucosa of 42 of 75 chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) cases. The number of eosinophils in the mucosa, the blood eosinophil %, serum level of IgE, and serum level of RF in the groups with and without ENLs did not differ to a statistically significant extent. However, significant differences were observed in the serum IgG4 and IgG levels of the two groups. Based on these results, ENLs are thought to participate in refractory AR through the production of IgE and the accumulation of eosinophils and to participate in CRS via the production of IgG4 and IgG.