Fungal sinusitis in an immunocompetent patient: a case report

The frequency of fungal rhinosinusitis is increasing over the last two decades worldwide. It is classified into two main types: the invasive disease with a poor prognosis which is predominantly seen in patients with some form of immunosuppression and chronic fungal rhinosinusitis usually affecting the immunocompetent individuals. We present a case of fungal sinusitis in an immunocompetent 40-year-old male. The patient had a history of recent onset of progressive nasal blockage, discharge, and cough. Computed tomography scan of paranasal sinuses showed bilateral maxillary, left ethmoidal and sphenoidal sinusitis, and left inferior nasal turbinate hypertrophy. The sample received was necrotic slough from the nose that was processed for histopathology, and special stains, including Grocott’s Methenamine Silver and Periodic Acid Schiff were applied based on which the diagnosis of non-invasive fungal infection was made. Due to early diagnosis, the patient responded well to sinus clearance and conservative management in the clinical setting.