Chronic invasive Aspergillus Fumigatus rhinosinusitis with intracranial extension

Tobias Kremsmayer1, Nikita Rajbhandari2, Reed Jaworski1

  • 1University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, USA.

Idcases
|June 8, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Diagnosing chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus is challenging. This case demonstrates disease progression despite extensive antifungal treatment, emphasizing the need for early, multidisciplinary intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Neurology
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (CIFRS) presents diagnostic challenges.
  • Invasive fungal infections can affect orbital and intracranial structures, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the diagnostic difficulties and poor prognosis associated with CIFRS.
  • To emphasize the importance of early, multidisciplinary intervention in managing complex fungal sinusitis cases.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 63-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
  • Diagnostic evaluation included MRI, repeat biopsies, and DNA analysis.
  • Treatment involved intensive antifungal therapy (amphotericin, isavuconazole, micafungin).

Main Results:

  • DNA analysis confirmed Aspergillus fumigatus infection.
  • Disease progressed despite over a year of intensive antifungal treatment.
  • Patient experienced vision loss and brain abscess formation.

Conclusions:

  • Delayed diagnosis of CIFRS contributes to poor patient outcomes.
  • Surgical intervention was contraindicated due to morbidity concerns.
  • Early and multidisciplinary management is crucial for improving prognosis in invasive fungal sinusitis.

Related Concept Videos

Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...