[Allergic rhinosinusitis by Curvularia inaequalis (Shear) Boedijn]

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Clinical Medicine
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Curvularia inaequalis is a dematiaceous fungus prevalent in tropical/subtropical regions, typically acting as a saprophyte or plant pathogen.
• Systemic and cutaneous infections by C. inaequalis are rare, with limited reports of its association with allergic rhinosinusitis.

Observation:

• A case study focusing on allergic fungal rhinosinusitis caused by Curvularia inaequalis.
• Diagnosis was established through clinical presentation, sinus computed tomography (CT) scans, and cultivation of mucin from the affected sinuses.

Findings:

• The patient presented with symptoms indicative of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.
• Microscopic examination and fungal culture confirmed the presence of Curvularia inaequalis in the sinus mucin.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for Curvularia inaequalis to cause allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, even if rare.
• Successful management involved a combination of endoscopic surgical debridement, inhaled corticosteroids, and systemic antifungal therapy (itraconazole).
• The patient achieved a complete clinical recovery and remained asymptomatic one year post-treatment, indicating the efficacy of the therapeutic approach.