Rhino-Cerebral Aspergillosis in an Immunocompetent Patient

Abstract

Rhino-cerebral aspergillosis is a rare phenomenon describing a contiguous spread of Aspergillus species from the paranasal sinuses to the intracranial space. In this case report, we describe a case of invasive rhino-cerebral aspergillosis arising in the setting of prolonged intranasal steroid use in an 81-year-old patient with chronic sinusitis. This case report emphasizes the importance of recognizing steroid use as a risk factor for invasive aspergillosis in otherwise immunocompetent individuals.

Keywords: Aspergillus; Chronic sinusitis; Intranasal steroid; Invasive aspergillosis; Rhino-cerebral aspergillosis.