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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
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Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Phaeohyphomycosis: an unusual pituitary mass
I Y L Yeung1, B C Whitelaw, T Hortobágyi
1Department of Neurosurgery, Hammersmith Hospital, UK.
British Journal of Neurosurgery
|February 4, 2006
Summary
A rare fungal infection, phaeohyphomycosis, caused a sphenoid sinus mass leading to eye pain and nerve palsy. Prompt treatment with antifungal medications and surgery resulted in complete recovery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Phaeohyphomycosis is a fungal infection caused by dematiaceous fungi.
- Sphenoid sinus masses can present with varied neurological and ophthalmological symptoms.
- Comorbidities like allergic rhinitis and diabetes mellitus may predispose individuals to fungal infections.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old woman experienced left eye pain and temporary left oculomotor nerve palsy.
- Imaging identified a sphenoid sinus and sellar mass with suprasellar extension.
- Surgical resection via trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy was performed.
Findings:
- Histopathological analysis confirmed fungal infection consistent with phaeohyphomycosis.
- The lesion's development was potentially linked to allergic rhinitis and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
- Postoperative treatment with intravenous amphotericin and itraconazole was initiated.
Implications:
- This case highlights phaeohyphomycosis as a rare but treatable cause of sphenoid sinus masses.
- Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Understanding predisposing factors can aid in preventing such infections.
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