Fibromyalgia syndrome in patients with chronic sinusitis

Abstract

Aims: Fatigue, diminished vitality, and increased bodily pain are common symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. On the other hand, there is an increased prevalence of rhinosinusitis symptoms among patients with unexplained chronic fatigue and/or bodily pain. Fibromyalgia syndrome is characterized by widespread pain and fatigue. In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence of fibromyalgia among patients with chronic sinusitis. Materials and Methods: This study included 58 consecutive patients who were diagnosed as chronic rhinosinusitis (24 women and 34 men, mean age: 42.61 ± 10.97). Computed tomography (CT) imaging of the paranasal sinuses and nasal endoscopic examinations were performed for each patient. The CT scans were staged by using the Lund-Mackay staging system, and endoscopy scores were obtained according to Lund and Kennedy. Results: Fibromyalgia was diagnosed in 23 patients (39.7%). Eighteen patients among 24 females (75%) and 5 patients among 34 males (14.7%) had fibromyalgia. Total endoscopy score was significantly higher in patients with fibromyalgia than patients without fibromyalgia, while CT scores were comparable between those subgroups. Conclusion: Fibromyalgia syndrome is commonly present in patients with chronic sinusitis. Higher nasal endoscopy scores might predict the presence of this disease. © TÜBİTAK.