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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
09:53
Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Published on: July 5, 2021
Summary
Blastomycosis typically affects the lungs or skin. This case highlights a rare presentation involving the skull base, infratemporal fossa, and sinuses, necessitating surgery and antifungal treatment.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Blastomycosis is an infection caused by the fungus *Blastomyces dermatitidis*.
- It commonly presents as pulmonary or cutaneous disease.
- Rarely, it can affect other sites, including the head and neck.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of blastomycosis involving the infratemporal fossa, temporal bone, and sinuses.
- To emphasize the possibility of non-pulmonary primary blastomycosis.
- To discuss management strategies for extensive skull base infections.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a patient with blastomycosis.
- Review of relevant medical literature on fungal infections of the head and neck.
- Discussion of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with blastomycosis of the infratemporal fossa, temporal bone, and sinuses.
- No evidence of pulmonary blastomycosis was found.
- Extensive skull base involvement required surgical intervention and prolonged antifungal therapy.
Conclusions:
- Blastomycosis can manifest primarily in the head and neck without pulmonary involvement.
- Surgical debridement and systemic antifungal therapy are crucial for managing extensive skull base infections.
- This case underscores the importance of considering unusual presentations of blastomycosis in clinical practice.
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