Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
07:43

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Published on: January 17, 2018

Invasive fungal sinusitis and complications of rhinosinusitis

Victoria A Epstein1, Robert C Kern

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Chicago Avenue, Searle Building 12-561, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.

Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America
|April 26, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Fungal and bacterial sinusitis with spread to the brain or eyes are dangerous emergencies. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are vital for survival in immunocompromised patients.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Acute invasive fungal sinusitis and bacterial rhinosinusitis with intracranial or orbital extension are severe conditions.
  • These infections pose significant management challenges and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
  • Complications of bacterial rhinosinusitis are categorized into local, orbital, and intracranial, each with distinct presentations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of acute invasive fungal sinusitis.
  • To discuss the management of bacterial rhinosinusitis with orbital or intracranial extension.
  • To highlight these conditions as otolaryngic emergencies requiring urgent attention.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.
  • Categorization of bacterial rhinosinusitis complications.
  • Emphasis on acute invasive fungal sinusitis as a common subtype in the US.

Main Results:

  • Invasive fungal sinusitis and complicated bacterial rhinosinusitis are life-threatening emergencies.
  • Timely diagnosis and intervention are crucial for patient outcomes.
  • Understanding the specific characteristics and severity of local, orbital, and intracranial complications is key.

Conclusions:

  • Prompt recognition and management of invasive fungal sinusitis and complicated bacterial rhinosinusitis are essential.
  • These conditions necessitate a multidisciplinary approach for optimal patient care.
  • Further research into effective treatment strategies for these challenging infections is warranted.

More Related Videos

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery09:53

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Published on: July 5, 2021

Endoscopic Septoplasty with Limited Two-line Resection: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Septal Deviation06:13

Endoscopic Septoplasty with Limited Two-line Resection: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Septal Deviation

Published on: June 20, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Epistaxis01:30

Epistaxis

Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, occurs when small, swollen blood vessels in the nasal mucous membrane rupture. Typically, the anterior septum is the primary site of occurrence.
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...