Sphenoid Sinus Aspergilloma in an Immunocompetent and an Immunocompromised Patient: A Case Report

Manraj Singh1, Brittany M Zaita2, Deepinder Singh3

  • 1Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, IND.

Cureus
|March 7, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Invasive intracranial aspergilloma, a rare sellar mass, can affect both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a good prognosis in CNS aspergilloma.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Sellar and supra-sellar masses typically present diagnostic challenges.
  • Invasive intracranial aspergilloma is a rare but serious complication of fungal sinusitis.

Observation:

  • Two cases of sellar/supra-sellar aspergilloma are presented, one in an immunocompromised and one in an immunocompetent patient.
  • Patients presented with symptoms including headache and visual disturbances.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis was confirmed through clinical presentation, imaging, and microbiological evaluation.
  • Invasive intracranial aspergilloma can occur in immunocompetent individuals, presenting as a breakthrough infection.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering aspergilloma in the differential diagnosis of sellar masses, regardless of immune status.
  • Timely diagnosis and treatment of CNS aspergilloma are critical for patient survival and improved outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
297
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
84
Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment01:25

Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment

Transmission-based precautions are for patients infected or suspected to be infected (or colonized) with organisms posing a significant risk to others. The transmission precautions include airborne and protective environment precautions.
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
1.3K