A Case of Fungal Ball Accompanied with a Microplate as Metallic Foreign Body in Maxillary Sinus / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Fungal balls are the most frequent non-invasive form of fungal sinusitis occurring in the immunocompetent individuals. The pathophysiology of fungus balls remains questionable despite known theories such as the obstruction of osteomeatal complex and overfilling of dental cavities. Foreign bodies in maxillary sinus can cause sinusitis by persistent mucosal irritation. Most cases of foreign bodies in the maxillary sinus are related to iatrogenic dental procedure. Foreign bodies in the maxillary sinus, even if they do not result in any symptoms, should be removed because they cause fungal ball growth. Reported herein is a 76-year-old woman who has a history of dental surgery, and who was found to have a fungal ball accompanied with a metallic foreign body as a microplate between the left maxillary sinus and inferior meatus.