Sphenoid sinus aspergilloma clinically mimicking as malignancy—a case report

Abstract

Background: Fungal sphenoid sinusitis mimicking as malignant tumor and invading the pituitary fossa is an uncommon entity. This report aims to highlight radiological salient features to help differentiate fungal lesion from malignant tumor in sphenoidal sinus mass lesions. Case presentation: We intend to report a case of middle-aged female who presented with gradual progressive diminution of vision since 3 years complicated with acute attack of unilateral headache and numbness. Computed tomography (CT) showed hyperdense lesion involving the sphenoid sinus extending into pituitary fossa and bilateral cavernous sinuses with smooth bony remodeling. Lesion appeared hypointense on T2-weighted and hyperintense on T1-weighted images on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Surgical excision of the lesion was done and pathological examination showed fungal hyphae and aspergillus fumigatus species on culture after 2 weeks of incubation. Post-operative CT revealed empty sinuses with surrounding bone remodeling. Conclusion: Combination of T1 hyperintensity, T2 hypointensity, and hyperdense sinus is a strong predictor of fungal mass lesion involving sphenoid sinus.