Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice
Published on: March 17, 2014
Chronic invasive Aspergillus Fumigatus rhinosinusitis with intracranial extension
Tobias Kremsmayer1, Nikita Rajbhandari2, Reed Jaworski1
1University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, USA.
Abstract:
A 63-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus (hemoglobin A1c: 8.2%) presented with progressively worsening blurry vision, headache, and unsteadiness. MRI of the brain and orbit revealed an infiltrating lesion at the cribriform plate with orbital and intracranial involvement. After extensive diagnostic evaluation including repeat biopsies, DNA analysis on biopsied tissue ultimately revealed Aspergillus fumigatus. During several multidisciplinary discussions with the patient and his family, surgical intervention was decided against due to associated morbidity and concern for adequate source control. Despite intensive antifungal medication management, including amphotericin, isavuconazole, and micafungin, for more than a year, there was disease progression with vision loss and brain abscess formation. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges contributing to the poor prognosis associated with chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis and the need for early evaluation and multidisciplinary intervention.
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 Meningitis
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Asthma I: Introduction
