Fungal granuloma of the sphenoid sinus and clivus in a patient presenting with cranial nerve III paresis: case report rand review of the literature

Abstract

Objective and importance: Isolated fungal granulomas originating within the sphenoid sinus are extremely rare in immunocompetent patients. In their symptoms and morphological appearance, these lesions may be mistaken for pituitary tumors. We report such a case and review the literature.

Clinical presentation: A 74-year-old man presented with a 3-week history of Cranial Nerve III paresis. The patient had a long-term history of snuff abuse. Computed tomography demonstrated a space-occupying lesion of the sellar and sphenoid sinus region with displacement of the cavernous sinus.

Intervention: The lesion was operated on via a transnasal-transsphenoidal approach. After the sphenoid sinus was opened, mucus extruded spontaneously, and a brownish, crumbly mass was found and removed. The lesion had completely eroded the sella and clivus. Histological analysis revealed numerous Aspergillus hyphae. Postoperatively, the IIIrd cranial nerve paresis resolved completely within a few days. No systemic fungal infection was found in extensive serological studies. There was no evidence of immunosuppression.

Conclusion: Fungal granuloma must be included in the differential diagnosis of lesions in the sellar region, even in nonimmunosuppressed patients. Early diagnosis and transsphenoidal extirpation is crucial with this potentially life-threatening disease.