Cystic Fibrosis and the Sinonasal Tract

Cystic fibrosis is considered to be one of the most common fatal inherited diseases. Sinonasal manifestations are not outstanding as compared with those in the lower respiratory tract. Panopacification of the paranasal sinuses is, however, almost universal on radiologic examination of patients, although many of these patients do not have sinonasal symptoms. Approximately 10% to 20% of cystic fibrosis patients will eventually require surgical treatment of their sinuses. All treatment, including surgery, is transiently effective; none is curative.