Zygomycosis presenting as nasal polyps in a healthy child

A 15-year-old boy presented with unilateral nasal polyps. Pathological examination showed submucosal granulomas and fungal organisms with occasionally septate hyphae. These organisms were identified by the Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, as being members of the class of fungi known as Zygomycetes (formerly Phycomycetes). Based on strong morphological and clinical criteria, we believe the causative organism to be Entomophthora coronata. The patient had no evidence of diabetes mellitus or compromised immunity. This patient represents an unusual case of nasal polyps caused by an organism that has rarely been diagnosed in North America.