Invasive aspergillosis of the maxillary sinus

Abstract

We report a case of invasive aspergillosis of the maxillary sinus. A man, aged 84, complained of a headache and right visual disturbance. Radiographs and CT scans revealed opacification of the right maxillary sinus and destruction of the posterolateral bony wall. The clinical diagnosis was optic neuropathy due to sinusitis. External antrotomy of the maxillary sinus and a transnasal ethmoidectomy was performed. Tyroid matter in the right maxillary sinus was subsequently shown to be aspergillus by histopathological examination. Aspergillus infection was accompanied by partial destruction of the posterolateral bony wall of the maxillary sinus. Following surgery, fluconazole therapy was initiated and the patient responded relatively well. However, 2 months postoperatively, right temporalgia and unconsciousness gradually recurred. Three months postoperatively, the patient died due to sudden respiratory arrest.