Indolent mucormycosis of the paranasal sinus in immunocompetent patients: are antifungal drugs needed?

Abstract

To report the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of indolent paranasal mucormycosis in immunocompetent individuals. A retrospective review of four immunocompetent patients with indolent mucormycosis of the paranasal sinus managed by endoscopic sinus surgery only was performed. One year of regular follow up comprised angled endoscopy and repeated paranasal sinus computed tomography three months after surgery. Clinical symptoms were non-specific. Pre-operative paranasal sinus computed tomography showed opacification of the unilateral maxillary sinus with focal calcification but without bony destruction or extension to the orbit or cranium. All patients underwent endoscopic sinus surgery without administration of antifungal agents. There was no recurrence on regular clinical and radiological follow up. For indolent paranasal mucormycosis in immunocompetent patients, endoscopic sinus surgery can be the treatment of choice, and the administration of antifungal drugs may not be necessary.