Aspirin intolerante in patients with nasal polyps and asthma

Abstract

The aspirin triad, characterized by aspirin intolerance, bronchial asthma and nasal polyposis was first described by Widal in 1922. Prevalence of aspirin intolerance in the general population is near 6%, but studies have shown that 78% of the patients with nasal polyps suffer from the triad. Clinical presentation consists of a characteristic evolutive pattern, with rhinitis appearing first, then nasal polyps, bronchial asthma and finally aspirin intolerance. Even though it is well known that this pathology corresponds to pseudoallergy, where unspecific mast cell degranulation occurs, the physiopathologic mechanisms that trigger this degranulation are not completely understood. The most accepted hypothesis involves aspirin-induced modifications in the metabolism of arachidonic acid. Currently there are no in vitro tests available for aspirin intolerance diagnosis, so if this pathology is suspected, a provocation test with aspirin is necessary to confirm the diagnosis, oral provocation test being the most frequently used in clinical practice.