Invasive Fungal Sinusitis

Invasive sinus Aspergillus infection has been reported in the last decade with increased frequency, most commonly in the setting of hematologic malignancy, neutropenia, HIV infection and other states of immunosuppression. Fungal rhinosinusitis can be broadly classified into two varieties—invasive and noninvasive on the basis of tissue invasion. Invasive fungal sinusitis are acute invasive, chronic invasive (both granulomatous and nongranulomatous forms), whereas noninvasive are fungus balls and allergic fungal sinusitis. Invasive fungal sinusitis is one of the most challenging forms of sinonasal pathology to manage, most commonly presenting in immunocompromised individuals. Chronic invasive being sinus aspergillosis (CISA) is being reported in immunocompetent patients at an increasing rate while most of these cases are being reported from the India subcontinent and middle east. Invasive fungal sinusitis is on the rise worldwide and especially in north India as it is endemic in this part of the country. It is affecting immunocompetent young and middle aged population causing a great morbidity and mortality. This entity needs to be picked up early by spreading awareness among the family physicians, internists, otolaryngologists, ophthalmologists, neurosurgeons, pulmonary physicians, critical care specialists so that an early management can initiated to achieve better control over the disease. This review is an attempt to initiate an interdisciplinary approach to achieve a better outcome.