Background: Paranasal sinus fungal balls usually occur unilaterally, and the maxillary sinus is most commonly involved. However, other sinuses could be concomitantly inflammed, and this phenomenon is rarely discussed. Aims/Objectives: To evaluate the severity of maxillary sinus fungal ball (MSFB) and the occurrence of sinus inflammation in paranasal sinuses according to the image findings and analyze the potential correlations. Material and Methods: A total of 1226 cases of MSFB were divided into 2 groups according to ostiomeatal complex obstruction on computed tomography. The potential correlations between sinus inflammation and MSFB in these groups were analyzed. Results: The patients were divided into 2 groups: those with obstructed ostiomeatal complex (OOMC) and those with clear ostiomeatal complex (COMC). The incidences of sinus inflammation in the ipsilateral sinuses of MSFB were higher in the OOMC group than in the COMC group, and there were no differences in the contralateral sinuses of MSFB. In the OOMC group, sinus inflammation was more common in all ipsilateral sinuses of MSFB than in the contralateral sinuses. In the COMC group, the incidences of sinus inflammation in the ipsilateral ethmoid and frontal sinuses of MSFB were higher than that in the contralateral sinuses. However, no significant difference was observed in the sinus inflammation incidence of bilateral sphenoid sinuses in the COMC group. The incidence of nasal polyps was higher in the ipsilateral nasal cavity in the OOMC group. Conclusions and Significance: MSFB stimulated sinus inflammation and nasal polyps in the adjacent sinuses through local factors.
Keywords: computed tomography; fungal ball; maxillary sinus; ostiomeatal complex; sinus inflammation.