Allergic aspergillus sinusitis with proptosis

Allergic aspergillus sinusitis has recently been increasingly recognized. Five cases are discussed. All presented with proptosis, signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis and radiological evidence of expansile masses with calcification and bony erosions involving multiple sinuses. Greenish cheesy material was seen at surgery. Histologically the lesions contained eosinophils, Charcot-Lyden crystals and fungal septate hyphae. Aspergillus fumigatus was grown from all cases. Surgical removal with drainage and aeration were performed. The follow-up period ranged between three to 18 months. Recurrence occurred in one patient. Allergic aspergillus sinusitis can mimic malignant disease and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lesions involving multiple sinuses. It should also be considered in all cases of proptosis.