Classification of Fungal Sinusitis in Immunocompetent Patients

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to review the subgroup classification of fungal sinusitis in immunocompetent patients. METHODS: The study design included 19 immunocompetent patients with fungal sinusitis who were operated on between 1993 and 1998. RESULTS: Ten of 19 patients showed a fungus ball. They underwent a limited surgical endoscopic procedure, and no further treatment was needed. Four patients had allergic fungal sinusitis and were treated postoperatively with irrigation, topical steroids, and oral steroids in 2 patients as well. Five patients had chronic sinusitis with significant bone erosion. All 5 underwent an extensive endoscopic procedure and were treated postoperatively by repeated irrigation, endoscopic cleaning, and no antifungal preparation. Two patients of this group are reported broadly. CONCLUSIONS: Fungal sinusitis in immunocompetent patients is not a rare condition and can be divided into 3 categories: 1) fungus ball, 2) chronic erosive (noninvasive) fungal sinusitis, and 3) allergic fungal sinusitis. The symptomatology, treatment, and prognosis varied significantly among the 3 different categories. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2003;129:372–8.)