Allergic fungal sinusitis: report of 3 cases and review of the literature.
Allergic fungal sinusitis is a form of noninvasive fungal disease resulting from an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction in atopic individuals. Allergic fungal sinusitis can present with a continuum of symptoms. Accumulation of allergic inspissated mucin may cause simple nasal obstruction or progress to facial deformity with osteolytic destruction and intracranial extension. Multiple species of fungi are now recognized as etiologic factors responsible for initiating the inflammatory response. This article discusses 3 cases involving Aspergillus and Curvularia species, and reviews diagnostic image findings, pathophysiology, and medical-surgical management of this increasingly common disease.
Madigan Army Medical Center Hospital Dental Clinic, Ft Lewis, WA 98431, USA. cwillard@satx.rr.com
Craig C
CC
Willard
Vincent D
VD
Eusterman
Philip L
PL
Massengil
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000382:microbiology; D015523:Maxillary Sinusitis / Q000382:microbiology*; D003904:Mitosporic Fungi / Q000145:classification*; D009181:Mycoses / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000382:microbiology; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000382:microbiology; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000382:microbiology; D010014:Osteolysis / Q000382:microbiology; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000382:microbiology*