J Korean Diabetes Assoc.  2003 Aug;27(4):373-378.

A Case of Invasive Aspergillosis of the Nasal Septum in a Patient with Diabetes Mellitus

• Kim TH
• Yoon JS
• Mok JO
• Kim YJ
• Park HK
• Kim CH
• Kim SJ
• Byun DW
• Suh KI
• Yoo MH
• Kim JM
• Kim YJ

Abstract

Invasive aspergillosis of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is characterized by invasion and destruction of the bony sinus walls, the orbit, and other soft tissues of the face. It occurs particularly in patients with severe immune deficits, and less frequently in patients with diabetes mellitus. The therapeutic outcome of invasive aspergillosis is unsatisfactory. Mortality rates range from 50 to 80%, depending primarily on the underlying disease. In general, the prognosis depends on making a prompt diagnosis of infection and providing early treatment. However the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis is difficult because there is no specific symptom, nor any rapid diagnostic method for confirmation. We report a case of a 64-year old woman with diabetes mellitus and invasive aspergillosis of the nasal septum. She was diagnosed by biopsy of the nasal septum and treated with systemic antifungal agent and surgical debridement. (Ed- paragraphs combined here) In conjunction with this case we review the previous literatures and suggest that prompt antifungal therapy with glycemic control is an important element in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis in a diabetic patient.

Keyword

Invasive aspergillosis; Diabetes mellitus

MeSH Terms

Aspergillosis*
Biopsy
Debridement
Diabetes Mellitus*
Diagnosis
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Mortality
Nasal Cavity
Nasal Septum*
Orbit
Paranasal Sinuses
Prognosis