Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Acute fulminant invasive fungal sinusitis with cavernous sinus syndrome
Tzu-Hang Chi1, Hsien-Shen Chen2, Chien-Han Yuan2
1Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Acute fulminant invasive fungal sinusitis is most commonly found in immunocompromised patients with conditions such as diabetes mellitus, malignancies and acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The most common pathogens are Aspergillus and Mucoraceae and the sinus most frequently involved is the maxillary sinus. Fever, rhinorrhea, facial pain, headache, and diplopia are common presenting symptoms. Complications of this infection include intracranial and / or intraorbital spread of the infection; the prognosis is poor. Here, a rare case of acute fulminant invasive fungal sinusitis with cavernous sinus syndrome is reported.
Insights
Acute invasive fungal sinusitis, often seen in immunocompromised individuals, can lead to severe complications. This report details a rare case involving cavernous sinus syndrome, highlighting the poor prognosis of such infections.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Acute fulminant invasive fungal sinusitis predominantly affects immunocompromised patients, including those with diabetes mellitus, malignancies, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
- Commonly implicated fungal pathogens include Aspergillus and Mucoraceae, frequently involving the maxillary sinus.
Observation:
- Patients often present with symptoms such as fever, rhinorrhea, facial pain, headache, and diplopia.
- This case report highlights a rare instance of acute fulminant invasive fungal sinusitis presenting with cavernous sinus syndrome.
Findings:
- Invasive fungal sinusitis can lead to severe complications, including intracranial and intraorbital spread.
- The prognosis for invasive fungal sinusitis, particularly with advanced complications, is generally poor.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and aggressive management of invasive fungal sinusitis, especially in high-risk populations.
- Recognizing rare presentations like cavernous sinus syndrome is crucial for improving patient outcomes in fungal sinusitis.
Related Concept Videos
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Viral Meningitis
Cystic Fibrosis: Management
Sinus disease and chronic...
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
