Chronic Maxillary Sinusitis Caused by an Aspergilloma in the Context of Inadequately Treated Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background/aim: The prevalence of chronic sinusitis (CS) in Europe is greater than 10%. The causes of CS are diverse. In some cases, dental treatment in the maxilla as well as fungal infection, such as aspergilloma, can lead to CS. Inadequately treated illnesses, such as type II diabetes, are known risk factors for atypical infections.

Case report: The present case report describes a 72-year-old female suffering from CS in the maxillary sinus. A few years earlier, the patient received endodontic treatment of a maxillary tooth. For further diagnostics a CT-scan was performed showing an obstructed maxillary sinus on the left due to a polypoid tumor. The patient had been suffering from type II diabetes that had been inadequately treated for several years. The patient was surgically treated with an osteoplasty of the maxillary sinus combined with a supraturbinal antrostomy. Histopathological findings revealed an aspergilloma. The surgical therapy was supplemented by antimycotic therapy. In addition, the patient received antidiabetic treatment leading towards stable blood sugar levels.

Conclusion: Rare entities, such as aspergillomas, can also be the cause of CS. In particular, patients with previous illnesses relevant to the immune system are predisposed for Aspergilloma after dental treatment leading to CS.

Keywords: Maxillary sinusitis; aspergilloma; diabetes type II; endodontic treatment..