Clinical Characterization of the Maxillary Sinus Aspergillosis

ABSTRACT

Nine cases of maxillary sinus aspergillosis during a period from February of 1992 to June of 2000 were investigated to analyze the clinical, radiologic and pathologic features. Maxillary sinus aspergillosis is rare disease, but it was increasing tendency with overuse antibiotics, steroid hormones, and anticancer agents. Aspergillosis of the maxillary sinus may occur as a chronic disease in an otherwise healthy person. The clinical features of maxillary sinus aspergillosis were similar to the non-fungal, chronic sinusitis. Intrasinus calcification is known to be a characteristic feature of maxillary sinus aspergillosis. It is suggested that excess root filling materials containing zinc oxide in the maxillary sinus could favour the formation of a local, non-invasive maxillary sinus aspergillosis. And this "dental" model of pathogenensis of maxillary sinus aspergillosis is an alternative to the widely accepted concept of spore inhalation and "aerogenic" pathogenensis of maxillary sinus aspergillosis. The radical surgery such as Caldwell-Luc operation was one of the most effective treatment modalities. Our results of this study indicate that maxillary sinus aspergillosis might occur mainly in healthy individuals rather than debilitating patients. It could efficiently treated with radical surgery alone without the antifungal agents. 4 cases were suspected to be related with teeth extraction and endodontic treatment. There were no recurrence in all cases.