Invasive Aspergillus sinusitis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Report of 2 cases and review

Abstract

Aspergillus sinusitis is an uncommon complication of advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We describe 2 patients with AIDS who developed histologically proven invasive Aspergillus sinusitis. We also review the findings of 14 histologically documented and 5 probable cases of invasive Aspergillus sinusitis. The literature on the prevalence, predisposing factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the infection is reviewed. Major risk factors for the disease are advanced AIDS, chronic sinusitis or otitis, neutropenia, use of corticosteroids and prolonged use of broad spectrum antibiotics. The most common presenting symptoms are nonspecific and include fever, local pain, and swelling. Despite the newer diagnostic and therapeutic approaches discussed herein, the infection is usually fatal in HIV-infected patients. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment remain the only available means to improve the currently dismal prognosis of Aspergillus sinusitis.