Imaging Findings of Fungal Infections of the Sinuses Extending into the Brain

Abstract

We aim to review the imaging appearance of fungal infection of paranasal sinuses (PNS) that extend into the brain. Fungal infection of PNS appears as hyperdense lesion at computed tomography (CT), low signal intensity on T1-weighted images, and low signal or signal void on T2-weighted images. Fungal infection of PNS may extend into the skull base, orbit, cavernous sinus, and cranial cavity. CT used for assessment of bony erosion of the skull base and orbit and contrast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging better to assess cavernous sinus invasion and intracranial extension. Noninvasive form of paranasal fungal infection may be associated with erosion of the skull base and orbit, and invasive form of fungal infection may be associated with cavernous sinus and intracranial extension. We concluded that cross-sectional imaging with CT and MR imaging is important for diagnosis and assessment of invasive and noninvasive paranasal fungal infection and its orbital and intracranial extension.