Orbital involvement in allergic fungal sinusitis.
BACKGROUND
Although allergic fungal sinusitis is a relatively common, noninvasive form of paranasal sinus mycosis, and despite frequent orbital involvement, there have been few reports of this condition in the ophthalmic literature.


METHODS
Two cases of allergic fungal sinusitis having orbital symptoms are described. The current classification, typical presentation, and ideal management of fungal sinusitis are reviewed.


RESULTS
Distinguishing radiologic and pathologic features were present in both patients. Aspergillus flavus was cultured in one case, and Bipolaris spicifera was cultured in the other.


CONCLUSIONS
Allergic fungal sinusitis is a unique subset of sino-orbital disease with highly characteristic clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features. Unlike invasive forms of mycotic disease, allergic fungal sinusitis may be managed adequately with surgical debridement, aeration of the involved sinuses, and systemic and topical corticosteroids.
Klapper
S R
SR
Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Lee
A G
AG
Patrinely
J R
JR
Stewart
M
M
Alford
E L
EL
D000328:Adult; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001231:Aspergillus flavus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003646:Debridement; D015821:Eye Infections, Fungal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D003904:Mitosporic Fungi / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009181:Mycoses / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D017964:Itraconazole; D008775:Methylprednisolone