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Complications of Isolated Fungal Sphenoiditis: Patient Clinical Characteristics
Chakapan Promsopa1, Pittaya Polwiang2, Suchet Chinpairoj2
1Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand, arrm012@gmail.com.
Objective:
To evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with complications of isolated fungal sphenoiditis.
Materials And Methods:
The records of patients diagnosed with isolated fungal sphenoiditis at Songklanagarind Hospital from January 2004 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Data related to demographics, clinical presentation, underlying disease, type of complication, surgical procedure, and clinical outcome were collected.
Results:
Among the 35 participating patients, complications were found at a rate of 40%. The most common complication was visual loss (71.43%). We also compared the clinical characteristics between patients with and without complications via univariate analysis. The enrolled patients consisted of 12 men and 23 women (1:2). The mean age was older in the complications group 64 (41-84) vs. 57.43 (36-81) years, respectively. Underlying diabetes mellitus and complete opacity of the sphenoid sinus were factors that related significantly to the occurrence of complications. After treatment, 35.72% of the participants made a complete recovery; underlying diabetes mellitus was associated with a poor prognosis.
Conclusion:
This report indicates that practitioners must be careful of complications arising in elderly and female patients with isolated fungal sphenoiditis, who have a complete opacity of the sphenoid sinus and underlying diabetes mellitus.
Insights
Complications of isolated fungal sphenoiditis occur in 40% of patients, with visual loss being most common. Elderly females with diabetes and complete sphenoid sinus opacity face higher risks.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Isolated fungal sphenoiditis is a rare condition.
- Complications can lead to significant morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with complications of isolated fungal sphenoiditis.
- Identify risk factors and outcomes associated with complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 35 patients diagnosed with isolated fungal sphenoiditis from 2004-2017.
- Data collected included demographics, clinical presentation, underlying disease, complications, surgical procedures, and outcomes.
- Univariate analysis compared characteristics between patients with and without complications.
Main Results:
- Complications occurred in 40% of patients, with visual loss being the most frequent (71.43%).
- Older age (mean 64 years), female gender, diabetes mellitus, and complete sphenoid sinus opacity were associated with complications.
- Complete recovery was achieved in 35.72% of patients; diabetes mellitus correlated with a poor prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Practitioners should be vigilant for complications in elderly, female patients with isolated fungal sphenoiditis.
- Complete sphenoid sinus opacity and underlying diabetes mellitus are significant risk factors for complications and poorer outcomes.
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