CASE REPORT: Histoplasmosis of Paranasal Sinuses and Orbit: A Case Report

Abstract

Fungal sinusitis is a known cause of persistent or chronic sinusitis. Various authors have reported various fungal organisms such as aspergillus species, candida species and phycomycetes but not histoplasma duboisii as the cause of fungal sinusitis. A rare case of facial deformity secondary to invasive fungal infection by histoplasma duboisii of the left paranasal sinuses and left orbit associated with proptosis and loss of vision is presented in a 44 year old female trader from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto. This had defied all antifungal agents. Following computerized tomographic (CT) scan of the brain and paranasal sinuses to ascertain the extent of invasion, radical surgical clearance, through anterior craniofacial resection with removal of all orbital contents except the eyelid and optic nerve stump was carried out with no recurrence 11/2 years after surgery. There is no place for conservative medical or surgical treatment in invasive sinus mycosis of the paranasal sinuses and orbit.


(Key words: Fungal sinusitis, Histoplasma duboisii, Radical surgery).


Sahel Med. J. Vol.6(3) 2003: 87-90