Not so pretty in pink: A clinical vignette on invasive fungal sinusitis

Abstract

Invasive fungal infection is one of the most feared infectious complications in immunocompromised hosts following aggressive chemotherapy for hematologic malignancy and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). The more common causes of sinusitis due to fungal pathogens (Mucorales, Fusarium, and Aspergillus spp) make up the majority of cases, but less common pathogens, including a number of dematiaceous fungi, can also be implicated. Early diagnosis is crucial; the mortality associated with fungal sinusitis is high and prompt, aggressive treatment is important for successful management. Prompt accurate microbiologic diagnosis is also crucial to direct effective treatment, especially in cases that do not respond to empiric therapy. Here we present an unusual case of invasive fungal sinusitis in a patient with relapsed refractory leukemia.