Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Paranasal sinus fungus balls
J A Ferreiro1, B A Carlson, D T Cody
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Background:
Paranasal sinus fungus balls (mycetomas) are a form of fungal sinus infection distinct from allergic fungal sinusitis, fulminant invasive fungal disease, and paranasal aspergillus granulomas.
Methods:
The Mayo Clinic surgical pathology files of inflammatory sinus specimens from 1984 to 1994 were examined. Twenty-nine paranasal sinus fungus balls were identified. Cases of allergic fungal sinus and invasive fungal disease were excluded.
Results:
The fungus ball occurred in 11 men and 18 women, with an age range of 28 to 86 years, mean 64 years. Sinuses involved included maxillary (20 cases), sphenoid (10 cases), ethmoid (9 cases), and frontal (6 cases). In 12 patients, multiple sinuses were involved in a variety of combinations. By culture the most common pathogens were Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. Treatment was by a variety of surgical procedures. Follow-up in 28 patients showed two recurrences and three deaths due to intracerebral bleed as a complication of surgery. These deaths occurred in patients with sphenoid sinus fungus balls.
Conclusions:
Paranasal sinus fungus balls occurs in an elderly population and have a female predominance. They have a low morbidity and recurrence rate. Death can occur in sphenoid sinus lesions as a complication of surgery.
More Related Videos
09:52Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
15:01Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy-Based Quantitative Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia Distribution in Whole-Mount Optically Cleared Mouse Lung
Published on: September 18, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
Nose and Nasal Cavity
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Antifungal Agents
Brain Abscess l: Introduction