Outcomes of Pressure‐Induced Cranial Neuropathies from Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis

Abstract

Objectives: Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) may present with significant bone erosion of the orbital walls or cranial base. Although proptosis is fairly common, cranial neuropathies are rarely reported. The objectives of this study are to describe strategies for AFRS-induced neuropathies and evaluate ophthalmologic outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods: A retrospective review of patients treated from January 2009 to December 2012 for AFRS-induced cranial neuropathies was performed. Data regarding patient demographics, preoperative imaging, ophthalmologic symptoms, surgical intervention, histopathologic findings, and postoperative sinonasal and ophthalmologic outcomes were recorded. Results: Eight patients (average age 38 years; range, 18-84 years) with AFRS presented with optic neuropathy or abducens nerve palsy. Subjects presented with unilateral visual loss secondary to optic nerve compression (n = 4), diplopia from unilateral (n = 2) or bilateral (n = 1) abducens nerve palsy, and bitemporal hemianopsia secondary to optic chiasm compression (n = 1). On average, the duration of ocular symptoms was 17 days (range, 2-60 days). All patients underwent endoscopic surgical decompression of the sinuses and oral steroid therapy. Two individuals had an additional optic nerve decompression at the time of surgery. Six patients had complete return of nerve function, while 2 had partial recovery at an average of 5 weeks following surgery (range, 2-12 weeks). Conclusions: Bone erosion of the sphenoid sinus walls by AFRS can lead to compression of surrounding neural structures producing cranial neuropathies. Identification of these symptoms and prompt surgical decompression and removal of disease along with aggressive medical therapy provided excellent outcomes in the current series of patients.