Invasive aspergillosis of the paranasal sinuses and the skull base

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2007 Oct;264(10):1163-9. doi: 10.1007/s00405-007-0336-7. Epub 2007 May 30.

Abstract

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) originating from the paranasal sinuses can cause an intracranial growth mainly along the skull base and larger vessels. This study reports our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of a series of patients with IA. A retrospective chart review of four patients with chronic invasive intracranial aspergillosis was performed. Clinical signs, physical examinations, radiographs, histological samples, and outcome were demonstrated. The patients demonstrated different symptoms like exophthalmus, ophthalmoplegia, loss of vision, and hypaesthesia of the ophthalmic and maxillary nerve. Computed tomography and MRI revealed extensive sino-orbital and skull base lesions. The patients were treated with aggressive endonasal debridement, intravenous antifungal agents and daily irrigations with antimycotic suspensions. Furthermore, we applied hyperbaric oxygenation. Two patients died from complications due to subarachnoidal hemorrhage and accompanied complications respectively. Despite the high mortality rate patients with an invasive aspergillosis can be effectively treated in some cases by an early and rigorous treatment schedule using all surgical and conservative therapeutic options.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Aspergillosis / complications*
  • Aspergillosis / epidemiology
  • Aspergillosis / therapy
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Debridement
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperbaric Oxygenation / methods*
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Paranasal Sinus Diseases / microbiology*
  • Paranasal Sinus Diseases / pathology
  • Paranasal Sinus Diseases / therapy
  • Skull Base / microbiology*
  • Skull Base / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents