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Paecilomyces fungus infection of the paranasal sinuses

D R Nayak1, R Balakrishnan, S Nainani

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal-576 119, Karnataka, India. info@mahe.ernet.in

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|April 18, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Paecilomyces lilacinus fungal infections are rare, especially in children. This case highlights a rare pediatric pansinusitis caused by P. lilacinus, successfully treated with surgery and antifungal medication.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Fungal infections by Paecilomyces species are uncommon, typically affecting immunocompromised adults or those with foreign body implants.
  • Paecilomyces species are ubiquitous fungi found in soil and decaying organic matter worldwide.

Observation:

  • An 8-year-old child presented with unilateral nasal obstruction, discharge, telecanthus, diplopia, and epiphora.
  • Clinical examination and investigations revealed pansinusitis.

Findings:

  • The pansinusitis was diagnosed to be caused by Paecilomyces lilacinus.
  • The child underwent endoscopic sinus surgery and received a 6-month course of oral Itraconazole.

Implications:

  • This is the first reported case of Paecilomyces lilacinus-induced pansinusitis in a pediatric patient.
  • The case underscores the importance of considering rare fungal pathogens in pediatric sinonasal infections, even in immunocompetent children.

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