Blindness from fungal rhinosinusitis of the paranasal sinuses: A case report

ABSTRACT

@#Objective: To present a unique case of blindness resulting from fungal rhinosinusitis involving multiple sinuses mimicking a malignant process in a pregnant patient. Methods: Design: Case Report Setting: Tertiary Government Training Hospital Patient One Result: A 36-year-old pregnant woman developed unilateral blindness during her 20th week of gestation with a history of binocular diplopia, unilateral nasal obstruction and anosmia for 13 months during the pre-pregnancy period. Sphenoid sinus malignancy was suspected on imaging. The planned biopsy was intraoperatively shifted to endoscopic sinus surgery when clay-like materials were seen involving the left maxillary sinus and bilateral sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses. Histopathologic examination confirmed fungal growth. Postoperatively, nasal symptoms resolved but blindness of the left eye and blurring of vision of the right eye persisted. Conclusion: Fungal rhinosinusitis rarely occurs in multiple sinuses and is commonly misdiagnosed. It can afflict pregnant patients and mimic a malignant process. A high index of suspicion early on, especially in the presence of nasal congestion and diplopia may prevent potentially irreversible complications.