Asthma, aspirin intolerance and nasal polyps form the triad of aspirin-induced asthma (AIA). Eight patients with AIA and nasal polyps, 2 males and 6 females, were seen in our clinic from 1984 to 1986. We examined the relationship between nasal polyps and sinusitis diagnosed by nasal X-ray in AIA with nasal polyps. Four patients had moderate to large polyps and moderate to severe sinusitis, while four mild or no sinusitis regardless of nasal polyps. Hi.stological examination of the nasal polyps of 4 patients showed marked infiltration with eosinophils. In addition, marked peripheral blood eosinophilia was seen in 6 of 7 patients; the highest eosinophil count was 31%. However, only one patient was atopic with a high IgE level and positive skin test. Thus, nasal X-ray examination and the study of eosinophils in nasal polyps and peripheral blood may be useful in diagnosis of AIA.
