A 26-year-old man has had difficulty breathing through his nose for 3 years, but this problem has become progressively worse over the past 2 months. Physical examination shows glistening, translucent, polypoid masses filling the nasal cavities. Histologic examination of the excised masses shows respiratory mucosa overlying an edematous stroma with scattered plasma cells and eosinophils. Which of the following laboratory findings is most likely to be present in this patient?

**Core Concept**
The patient's symptoms and histologic examination suggest the presence of **nasal polyps**, which are characterized by an accumulation of fluid and cells in the nasal mucosa, leading to obstruction of the nasal passages. This condition is often associated with **chronic inflammation** and **allergic reactions**.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Given the presence of **eosinophils** in the histologic examination, it is likely that the patient has an **allergic component** to his condition, such as **allergic rhinitis**. Eosinophils are often elevated in allergic reactions, and their presence in the nasal polyps suggests an allergic etiology.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Not provided, unable to comment.
**Option B:** Not provided, unable to comment.
**Option C:** Not provided, unable to comment.
**Option D:** Not provided, unable to comment.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Nasal polyps are often associated with **asthma** and **aspirin sensitivity**, and patients with these conditions should be evaluated for the presence of nasal polyps.

**Correct Answer:** D. Elevated eosinophil count.

✓ Correct Answer: B. Increased serum IgE level