Aspergillus sphenoid sinusitis-induced orbital apex syndrome in HIV infection.
BACKGROUND
Orbital apex syndrome due to aspergillus sphenoid sinusitis is a rare condition. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has recently been reported in aspergillus orbital abscess. To the authors' knowledge this is the first reported association of HIV with the orbital apex syndrome.


METHODS
A 37-year-old HIV-infected man presented with headache, reduced vision and progressive ophthalmoplegia in the right eye. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed sphenoid sinusitis. Sphenoid sinus biopsy was performed.


RESULTS
Light microscopy revealed infiltrative branching septate fungal hyphae. Fungal culture isolated Aspergillus fumigatus.


CONCLUSIONS
Atypical fungal infection such as Aspergillus fumigatus sphenoid sinusitis should be suspected in HIV-infected patients with orbital apex syndrome.
Lee
L R
LR
Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston Road, Herston 4029, Queensland.
Sullivan
T J
TJ
D000328:Adult; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D001232:Aspergillus fumigatus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005094:Exophthalmos / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009886:Ophthalmoplegia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D013101:Sphenoid Sinus / Q000382:microbiology; D015524:Sphenoid Sinusitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D013577:Syndrome; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed