"Allergic sinusitis" revisited.

BACKGROUND: "Allergic sinusitis" is a frequently used term but there is question about its true existence. OBJECTIVE: To detect the presence of allergic inflammation of the sinuses in five highly symptomatic ragweed sensitive adults. METHOD: Three imaging techniques were utilized: SPECT bone imaging, SPECT Indium111 labeled WBC uptake, and FDG F-18 (PET scanning). RESULTS: We could find no evidence of sinus involvement in association with severe allergic rhinitis. CONCLUSIONS: Employing three different imaging modalities, we were unable to demonstrate inflammation of the sinuses in patients with allergic rhinitis.