A 5-year Evaluation of Clinical Findings and Predisposing Factors in Invasive Fungal Sinusitis in Ahvaz

Invasive fungal sinusitis is an uncommon and invasive infection that occurs often in patient with immunocompromised condition. Due to increase in people with this condition، increasing the number of cases with this infection was seen. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the predisposing factors، clinical finding and early diagnosis of this disease. Subjects and

This is a retrospective study undertaken from 2001 to 2006. All patients، admitted with initial diagnosis of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis، were evaluated. In order to verify mucor mycosis; cultures and smears of nasal and sinus secretions as well as tissue biopsy were taken from all patients. The predisposing factors and clinical finding that led to early diagnosis of the disease were evaluated.

of 25 patients (18 females and 7 maels)، with a mean age of 56. 6 years old. Pathologic report was positive for mucor mycosis in 15 patients. The most common underlying cause was diabetes mellitus (76%). The most clinical finding was nasal necrosis (88%)، and the most involved sinus was maxillary sinus (76%). While the most involved cranial nerve was facial nerve (46%). Orbital complication was seen in 19 patients (76%). Cerebral complication in 4 patients (16%) and death occurred in 7 patients (28%).

The clinical challenge of diagnosing and treating invasive fungal sinusitis is evident by the high mortality rates for this disease. Early diagnosis with aggressive medical and surgical intervention is critical for survival.