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Fine needle aspiration in aspergilloma of frontal sinus: a case report
Samira Kumar Behera1, Manoj Patro, Debiprasad Mishra
1Department of Pathology, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Medical College, Berhampur, Orissa, India. mamasamir@hotmail.com
Background:
The increased incidence of fungal diseases in humans is most likely due to indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and increased numbers of immunocompromised patients. Although Aspergillus species are ubiquitous and normally nonpathogenic, they can be opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised individuals.
Case:
A 22-year-old immunocompetent man presented with a gradually increasing subcutaneous swelling near the root of his nose for previous 6 months. The mass was soft to firm, solid, nontender and immobile. There was no superficial skin ulceration and no local signs of inflammation. Proptosis of the left eye was present without any visual impairment. An osteolytic lesion that was contiguous with the subcutaneous mass, with the opacities of both the fontal sinuses was observed radiographically. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) demonstrated presence of branching hyphae in the cytoplasm of multinucleated giant cells along with mixed inflammatory cells. The species was identified by culture in Sabouraud's agar with chloramphenicol and wet mount with lactophenol cotton blue stain.
Conclusion:
Aspergillosis can remain dormant over a long period. Although uncommon, it can occur in immunocompetent patients. FNA is a very useful tool in establishing the diagnosis
Insights
This study reports a rare case of aspergillosis in an immunocompetent individual, highlighting the diagnostic utility of fine needle aspiration (FNA) for fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Fungal infections are rising due to antibiotic overuse and immunocompromised populations.
- Aspergillus species, typically nonpathogenic, can cause opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- A 22-year-old immunocompetent male presented with a 6-month history of subcutaneous nasal swelling and proptosis.
- Radiography revealed an osteolytic lesion contiguous with the mass and frontal sinus opacities.
Findings:
- Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed branching hyphae within multinucleated giant cells.
- Culture identified the causative Aspergillus species.
Implications:
- Aspergillosis can present asymptomatically for extended periods.
- This case underscores that aspergillosis can occur in immunocompetent hosts.
- FNAC is a valuable diagnostic method for suspected aspergillosis.
