Invasive fungal sinusitis: an effective combined treatment in five haematological patients

Leuk Lymphoma. 2007 Aug;48(8):1577-86. doi: 10.1080/10428190701457923.

Abstract

Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IFR) is a life-threatening infection. Its onset is subtle and a late diagnosis leads to severe complications. Death may occur within a few weeks notwithstanding treatment. We describe a comprehensive pre- and post-operative approach to care for haematological patients with IFR. Five haematological patients with IFR were treated with systemic antifungal therapy and endoscopic surgical debridement of infected tissues, followed by amphotericin-B directly instilled in the sinuses by a new type of ethmoidal drainage. The IFR remitted in all cases; after 32 months of follow-up, three patients are still alive, and two have died of other causes. Two of the patients who experienced IFR progression to the brain at the IFR onset are still alive. The pharmacological and surgical approach with the post-operative local therapy by a new ethmoidal drainage system could support radical antifungal sinus treatment, thus improving the overall survival.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use*
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Aspergillosis / drug therapy*
  • Aspergillosis / microbiology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / complications
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myeloproliferative Disorders / complications
  • Myeloproliferative Disorders / therapy
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / therapy
  • Sinusitis / drug therapy*
  • Sinusitis / microbiology
  • Stem Cell Transplantation

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Amphotericin B