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Chronically inflamed sinonasal mucosa
IMAGE DESCRIPTIONS

Sinus mucosa shows evidence of chronic inflammatory changes including thickened vessel walls.

The mycetoma is comprised of a densely packed sheet of fungal hyphae growing in a random arrangement.

Silver stain highlights the branching morphology. Aspergillosis was confirmed by microbiological evaluation.

BACKGROUND

A mycetoma represents a sinus cavity mass due to the indolent growth of fungal hyphae. Tissue invasion is not a feature.

CLINICAL

Symptoms are those of chronic sinusitis except for their perpetual nature. It most commonly involves the maxillary sinus. XRays show opacification, and calcium oxalate may be detected, as these deposits often accompany Aspergillus.

TREATMENT

Conservative management which includes excision of the fungal ball.

Last updated: 2010-02-22
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