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[A case of isolated aspergillosis of the maxillary sinus]

Mete Kaan Bozkurt1, Tuncay Ozçelik, Levent Saydam

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, Meram Medical Faculty of Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey. bozkurtmetekaan@hotmail.com

Kulak Burun Bogaz Ihtisas Dergisi : KBB = Journal of Ear, Nose, and Throat
|April 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Maxillary sinus aspergillosis, a rare fungal infection in immunocompetent individuals, was diagnosed in a patient with facial pain. Aspergillus fumigatus was identified as the cause, necessitating surgical intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Mycology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Maxillary sinus aspergillosis is uncommon in patients without compromised immune systems.
  • Aspergillus fumigatus is the most frequent fungal pathogen identified in paranasal sinus aspergillosis.

Observation:

  • A 41-year-old woman presented with facial pain and a history of dental work on a right upper molar.
  • Paranasal sinus tomography revealed a radiopaque appearance suggestive of fungal sinusitis or a foreign body within the maxillary sinus.

Findings:

  • Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed to address the maxillary sinus infection.
  • Pathological examination confirmed the presence of aspergillosis within the maxillary sinus.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering aspergillosis in the differential diagnosis of maxillary sinus pathologies, even in non-immunocompromised patients.
  • Dental procedures may potentially be a predisposing factor or associated finding in rare cases of maxillary sinus aspergillosis.
  • Accurate diagnosis through imaging and pathological examination is crucial for effective management of fungal sinusitis.

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