Diagnostics of Mycotic Sinusitis in ENT Patients

Plain-language summary

Mycotic sinusitis is a rare inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinuses. In recent years, its occurrence is increasing. Due to this situation, mycotic sinusitis is gaining importance, even though most cases of mycotic sinusitis are limited on paranasal sinuses. Non-invasive forms of mycotic sinusitis are divided into mycetoma and allergic mycotic sinusitis. Mycetoma (fungus ball) usually affects only one paranasal sinus, most often maxillary sinus. The predisposing factors which participate on development of mycotic sinusitis are not exactly known. Some factors are considered as possible predisposing factors, for example deviation of nasal septum, dental treatment of upper jaw teeth or changes of nasal microbiome. The diagnosis of fungal sinusitis is problematic. With the increasing number of patients, it is essential to improve the diagnostic process. In present, suspicion of mycotic sinusitis is based on the patient's clinical symptoms and the endoscopic findings in the nasal cavity. Only in some cases nonspecific findings can be observed, such as smelly secretions from the nose, feeling of stuffy nose and pain over the affected sinus. Some patients may be completely asymptomatic, and only in some cases fungal masses can be observed in the nasal cavity. Computed tomography (CT) scans are gaining more and more importance. Typical sign of an affected sinus is obfuscation on CT scan but this sign is not specific for mycotic infection. Central hyperdense foci are also present in some patients, but they are also not specific and can imitate a foreign body. Identifying specific signs on CT scan could help with diagnosing mycotic sinusitis.

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