Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2014 Feb;57(2):132-135. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2014.57.2.132.

Secondary Fungus Ball Caused by a Retained Foreign Body in Maxillary Sinus

• Chung YJ

• KMID: 1508318
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2014.57.2.132

Abstract

Unilateral sinusitis can occur by various conditions, such as dental, neoplastic, fungal and foreign bodies. A 35-year-old woman visited our outpatient clinic with unilateral maxillary sinus lesion, which was detected incidentally on computed tomographic (CT) scan. A CT scan revealed a total opacification with focal calcification in the maxillary sinus, and a purulent discharge was detected in the middle and inferior meatus on the endoscopic exam. The patient had a history of two jaw surgeries 13 years ago. After widening the maxillary sinus ostium, a clay-like, dark brown colored fungus ball was found in the maxillary sinus. A surgical gauze was located in the center of this fungus ball. The fungus ball and foreign body were removed via an endoscopic approach. We present a secondary fungus ball caused by a long-term retained foreign body because this case underlies the importance of careful history taking, physical examination and gauze counting.

Keyword

Foreign body; Fungus; Maxillary sinus; Sinusitis

MeSH Terms

Adult
Ambulatory Care Facilities
Female
Foreign Bodies*
Fungi*
Humans
Maxillary Sinus*
Orthognathic Surgery
Physical Examination
Sinusitis
Tomography, X-Ray Computed