Role of serial fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (18FDG-PET-CT) in assessing treatment response in treatment naïve chronic pulmonary aspergillosis subjects.

BACKGROUND: The role of 2-deoxy-2-18(F) fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography (CT) in assessing treatment response in chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) remains to be determined. OBJECTIVE: To compare changes in FDG-PET/CT parameters in CPA subjects with treatment success or failure. METHODS: We treated consecutive treatment-naïve CPA subjects with six months of oral itraconazole. We performed PET-CT at baseline and six months. A multi-disciplinary team categorized response as treatment success or failure. We recorded the maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax), SUVpeak, and total glycolytic activity (TLG). After treatment, FDG uptake similar to the background uptake or ≥13 units decline in Z-score was considered a complete metabolic response (CMR). A >25%, >30%, and > 45% decline in SUVmax, SUVpeak, and TLG was labelled as a partial metabolic response (PMR). A >30%, >30%, or >75% increase in the SUVmax, SUVpeak, and TLG represented progressive metabolic disease. RESULTS: We included 94 CPA subjects (63 males) with a mean age of 46.2 years. A follow-up PET-CT was performed on 77 subjects. We recorded treatment success and failure in 43 and 34 subjects. The median SUVmax at baseline was 6.7, which significantly reduced with treatment. CMR was seen in 18.6% of those with treatment success and none with treatment failure. A higher proportion of subjects with treatment success achieved PMR. 19% of the subjects with treatment success had progressive metabolic disease. CONCLUSION: FGD-PET/CT demonstrated metabolic activity in all CPA subjects. Most PET-CT parameters improved with treatment; however, one-fifth of the subjects were misclassified on PET-CT.

Periodontitis is associated with the development of fungal sinusitis: A nationwide 12-year follow-up study.

AIM: The incidence of fungal sinusitis is increasing; however, its pathophysiology has not been investigated previously. We investigate the effect of periodontitis on the incidence of fungal sinusitis over a 12-year follow-up period using nationwide population-based data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The periodontitis group was randomly selected from the National Health Insurance Service database. The non-periodontitis group was obtained by propensity score matching considering several variables. The primary end point was the diagnosis of sinonasal fungal balls (SFBs) and invasive fungal sinusitis (IFS). RESULTS: The periodontitis and non-periodontitis groups included 12,442 and 12,442 individuals, respectively. The overall adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for SFBs in the periodontitis group was 1.46 (p = .002). In subgroup analysis, the aHR for SFBs was 1.59 (p = 0.008) for those with underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD), 1.58 (p = .022) for those with underlying atopic dermatitis, 1.48 (p = .019) for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 1.36 (p = .030) for those with diabetes mellitus (DM), but these values are applicable only when considering the relationship between periodontitis and SFB. The aHR for IFS in the periodontitis group was higher than in the non-periodontitis group (2.80; p = .004). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of SFBs and IFS increased after diagnosis of periodontitis. This trend is often more severe in patients with DM, COPD, or CKD, but this association with underlying diseases is applicable only when considering the association between periodontitis and fungal sinusitis.

Imaging Findings in Aspergillosis: From Head to Toe.

Aspergillosis is a mycotic infection induced by airborne fungi that are ubiquitous. Inhalation of Aspergillus conidia results in transmission through the respiratory tract. The clinical presentation is dependent on organism and host specifics, with immunodeficiency, allergies, and preexisting pulmonary disease constituting the most important risk factors. In recent decades, the incidence of fungal infections has increased dramatically, due in part to the increased number of transplants and the pervasive use of chemotherapy and immunosuppressive drugs. The spectrum of clinical manifestations can range from an asymptomatic or mild infection to a swiftly progressive, life-threatening illness. Additionally, invasive infections can migrate to extrapulmonary sites, causing infections in distant organs. Recognition and familiarity with the various radiological findings in the appropriate clinical context are essential for patient management and the prompt initiation of life-saving treatment. We discuss the radiological characteristics of chronic and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, as well as some of the typically unexpected extrapulmonary manifestations of disseminated disease.

Characterization of Treatment Response Outcomes in Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis: CPAnet Definitions Versus the Existing Criteria.

BACKGROUND: The chronic pulmonary aspergillosis network (CPAnet) has recently proposed definitions for treatment outcomes in CPA. However, these definitions need to be validated. Herein, we evaluate the agreement between the existing and the CPAnet definitions for response assessment. METHODS: We enrolled consecutive treatment-naïve CPA subjects (between January 2021 and June 2021) who received six months of itraconazole therapy and followed them for an additional six months after treatment discontinuation. We retrospectively applied the CPAnet criteria and compared the agreement between the existing and the CPAnet criteria for response assessment (primary objective). We also assessed if adding weight loss (> 5% from baseline) as a component improved the performance of the CPAnet criteria. RESULTS: We included 43 (mean age, 47.4 years) CPA subjects. The existing and the CPAnet criteria categorized 29 (67.4%) and 30 (69.8%) subjects as treatment success, respectively, at treatment completion. There was substantial (kappa = 0.73; p < 0.0001) agreement between the two definitions. However, both criteria did not identify eight subjects requiring treatment re-initiation within three months. There was an increment in the sensitivity of both criteria (by 36%) for identifying treatment failure after incorporating ≥ 5% weight loss as an element of worsening. CONCLUSION: The CPAnet definitions correctly categorized treatment outcomes in most cases of CPA. The addition of weight change would further enhance the performance of the CPAnet treatment outcome definitions.

The Nasal Bacteria Microbiome Comparison Among Fungal Ball Sinusitis, Chronic Sinusitis with Polyps.

To evaluate the composition of the microbial community of the middle nasal in paranasal sinus fungus ball (FB), chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and healthy controls, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of FB and CRSwNP. Through 16 s rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing to determine the microbial characterization from patients with FB (n = 29) and CRSwNP (n = 10), and healthy controls (n = 4). The FB group had significantly lower αdiversity and significantly different ß diversity compared to the other groups. All three groups mainly consisted of four bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria). In the FB group, the highest relative abundance was found in Proteobacteria (47.04%). However, pairwise comparisons resulted in statistically significant differences only for Firmicutes (CRSwNP, p = 0.003, Control, p = 0.008). The CRSwNP group was statistically different from the control group in TM7(p = 0.010), Chloroflexi(p = 0.018) and Bacteroidete(p = 0.027). At the genus level, the FB group had the highest relative abundance of Haemophilus (11.53%), followed by Neisseria (7.39%), and Neisseria abundance (p < 0.001) was significantly different from the remaining two groups. Ruminococcacea abundance (p < 0.001) and Comamonadaceae abundance (p < 0.001) were increased in the CRSwNP group. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus (p < 0.001), Bacteroides S24_7 (p < 0.001), and Desulfovibrio (p < 0.001) was significantly decreased in the FB and CRSwNP groups compared to the control group. The imbalance of the microbial community is related to the pathogenesis of sinusitis.

[Peculiarities of fungal and bacterial microorganisms persistence in the structure of fungal balls of paranasal sinuses]. / Osobennosti persistentsii gribkovykh i bakterial'nykh mikroorganizmov v strukture gribkovykh tel okolonosovykh pazukh.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the data of pathomorphological and microbiological examination of fungal balls removed at paranasal sinuses endoscopic surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 148 samples were obtained from patients histologically diagnosed with fungal balls. Microscopic evaluation of the specimens stained according to the Gram method, Gomori-Grocott method and PAS-reaction method, revealed phase changes in the fungal balls conditioned by their different life cycles: the areas of young, mature and degenerating mycelium were detected. Degeneration lead to detritus formation. Detritus areas contained accumulated bacterial colonies. The cultural study of the fungal balls removed from paranasal sinuses, showed fungi growth in 17.6% of cases, while the pathomorphological study confirmed presence of fungi in every investigated sample. Aerobic and anaerobic microbiota of the sinuses contents was represented by multi-agent bacterial and fungal-bacterial associations. Statistical analysis of contingency between culture-positive rate of fungi and different bacteria detected in clinical samples from fungal balls revealed inhibitory influence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on fungi growth, which might be a reasons of their low isolation rate. Supposedly in some cases the fungal balls consisted of dead fungi, or the sampling was done in the area of the fungal balls degeneration, which might also account for the low sensibility of the cultural method.

Analysis of metabolites of fungal balls in the paranasal sinuses.

Fungal ball sinusitis is characterized by complex fungus infections with non-invasive inflammation. But no research reported fungal ball composition and metabolic-related product types currently. 12 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who underwent surgery and 9 healthy control were enrolled in this study. Samples from both groups were analyzed for high-throughput metabolites by UPLC-MS. OsiriX software was applied to perform imaging measurements on sinus CT. 2138 and 394 metabolites were screened from cationic and anionic modes. There was a significant difference in the abundance of glycerophospholipid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism between the two groups, with the experimental group showing an increased trend related to the sphingolipid metabolic pathway, including sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and related products, diacylglycerol, sphingomyelin (SM), suggesting that its metabolites are associated with mucosal and bony inflammation. Imaging measurements showed a median sinus CT value (median (P25, P75) of 351(261.4, 385.8) HU and a median sinus wall thickness (median (P25, P75) of 2.31(1.695, 3.718) mm, which correlated with the levels of glycerophospholipid metabolites and sphingolipid metabolites (P < 0.03). Dysfunctional glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism is present in the lesion of fungal ball sinusitis. Glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism plays a significant role in the progression of mucosal and osteitis produced by fungal ball sinusitis.

Efficacy of Intrabronchial Voriconazole Instillation for Inoperable Pulmonary Aspergilloma: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Endobronchial administration of voriconazole is a potential therapeutic option for inoperable aspergilloma. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of endobronchial instillation of voriconazole for inoperable pulmonary aspergilloma. METHOD: Patients with mild to moderate hemoptysis, due to inoperable aspergilloma, were randomized to receive either medical therapy (MT) alone or bronchoscopic instillation of voriconazole with MT and followed up till 3 months. The primary objective of this study was to compare the percentage of patients achieving reduction in the severity of hemoptysis assessed on visual analogue scale (VAS) in intervention and control arm at 3 months. RESULTS: This study included 60 patients (female = 47) with mean (SD) age of 40.6 (13.2) years who were randomized to receive either bronchoscopic instillation of voriconazole (n = 30) or MT alone (n = 30). At 3-month follow-up, the primary objective was achieved in 26/30 (86.7%) patients in intervention group as compared to 11/30 (36.7%) in the control group (p value <0.0001). The VAS score at 3 months was significantly lower in voriconazole group 13.9 (9.3) mm as compared to MT alone group 22.3 (11.5) mm, p value of 0.003. Bronchoscopic instillation of voriconazole was also associated with reduction in cough severity and size of the aspergilloma; however, there was no benefit of this therapy in terms of requirement of hospitalization and BAE. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that for nonoperable aspergilloma, bronchoscopic instillation of voriconazole is associated with reduction in the severity of hemoptysis. This therapy should be evaluated in large multi-center trials.

Prevalence of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis regarding time of tuberculosis diagnosis in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Data on the prevalence of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) in patients with active or cured tuberculosis (TB) are scarce, mainly due to diagnostic difficulties. The diagnosis of CPA is based on pulmonary symptoms and chest computed tomography (CT) scans and is considered confirmed when there is microbiological or serological evidence of Aspergillus spp. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of CPA in patients treated or undergoing treatment for PTB, seen in two referral hospitals in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 193 consecutive patients who were treated or previously treated for pulmonary tuberculosis underwent prospective evaluation: (a) clinical evaluation; (b) chest CT scan; (c) sputum examination-culture for fungi and smears for direct mycology; (d) detection of anti-Aspergillus fumigatus antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay Platelia® test; and (e) anti-Aspergillus spp. antibodies were assessed via a DID test. RESULTS: The global prevalence of CPA was 10.9% (95% confidence interval, 7.2%-16.1%), but it increased with the time of TB diagnosis. The variables independently associated with CPA were previous pulmonary tuberculosis over 4 years ago and haemoptysis. Cavities, pleural thickening and the presence of a fungal ball were the most frequent tomographic findings in patients with CPA. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence observed and its increase over time suggest the need for continuous surveillance of CPA in patients with active or previous pulmonary tuberculosis and throughout life, with clinical, tomographic and serological evaluations (ELISA) for a timely diagnosis and a better prognosis.

Trans-superior meatal surgery: A targeted approach for isolated posterior ethmoid diseases.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment for posterior ethmoid diseases has historically been performed through a trans-ethmoid approach which usually required medialization of the middle turbinate, a middle meatal antrostomy and total ethmoidectomy. This can destabilize the basal lamella of the middle turbinate and also sacrifices the integrity of ostiomeatal complex and the healthy bulla if the patient has the disease only in the posterior ethmoid sinus. The aim of this study is to present of a novel minimally disruptive approach for the management of isolated posterior ethmoid diseases. METHODS: Retrospective case series analysis. RESULTS: 19 patients with isolated posterior ethmoid fungal balls were operated on via a trans-superior meatal approach. The most common signs and symptoms were headache (78.9%), and purulent/mucoid discharge from the superior meatus (89.5%). The technique is described in detail with the preservation of the ostiomeatal complex and bulla ethmoidalis. Complete removal of the disease was achieved in all cases through this access, with no intra-operative complications. The posterior ethmoid cavity remained patent postoperatively in all patients. No recurrence was noted during the follow-up period which ranged from 6 to 12 months. CONCLUSION: This is a minimally invasive approach, which is safe and effective for the surgical management of isolated posterior ethmoid diseases.

Assessment of the necessity of frontal sinostomy in cases of frontal sinusitis associated with fungus ball of the maxillary sinus.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate outcomes in patients presenting with fungus ball of the maxillary sinus (MSFB) and frontal sinusitis who were treated via middle meatal antrostomy alone. METHODS: This was a randomized, controlled study with a parallel group design. Patients with MSFB and frontal sinusitis were randomly assigned to the maxillary middle meatal antrostomy (MMMA) or control (MMMA + frontal sinusotomy) groups. Patient demographics, complaints, imaging findings were analyzed, and surgical outcomes were evaluated using the Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score (LKES) and the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) questionnaire. RESULTS: In total, 40 patients were separated into two groups, with similar symptoms including nasal obstruction, mucopurulent rhinorrhea, maxillary or frontal pain, blood stained nasal discharge, nasal cacosmia and orbital pain being observed in both groups. Total LKES and SNOT-22 scores were significantly improved in both groups at 6 months post-treatment, with no significant differences in these scores between groups within a mean 6.8-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that frontal sinusotomy is not required to resolve frontal sinusitis associated with MSFB. As such frontal sinusitis appears to be a reactive process caused by fungal ball obstruction, it regresses spontaneously following fungus ball removal, drainage of the maxillary sinus, and middle meatal antrostomy.

A Schizophyllum commune fungus ball in a lung cancer cavity: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Schizophyllum commune is a basidiomycete that lives in the environment and can cause infections, mainly those of the respiratory system. Although S. commune is increasingly reported as a cause of allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis and sinusitis, cases of fungal ball formation are extremely uncommon. Identification of S. commune is difficult using routine mycological diagnostic methods, and in clinically suspicious cases, internal transcribed spacer sequencing should be used for diagnosis. Here, we report a first case of lung cancer with a fungal ball formation of S. commune, confirmed by analyzing the internal transcribed spacer. CASE PRESENTATION: A 76-year-old man with diabetes and hypertension was admitted to the hospital with a chief complaint of hemosputum, which he had for about 19 months. A computed tomography image of the patient's chest showed a cavity and internal nodule in the left upper lobe of his lung. A left upper lobectomy was performed, and histopathological examination revealed squamous cell carcinoma of the lung and a fungal ball. The isolate from the surgical specimen was identified as S. commune by analyzing the internal transcribed spacer. The patient had no recurrence of the infection during 5 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Only three cases of lung fungal balls caused by S. commune have been previously reported, and this is the first case of lung cancer cavity with a fungal ball formation. In cases of fungal ball formation in the lung, S. commune should be considered a possible causative microorganism.

Sensitization to A fumigatus in subjects with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic lung diseases, including cystic fibrosis (CF), are frequently sensitized to Aspergillus fumigatus. Whether patients with non-CF bronchiectasis develop sensitization to A fumigatus remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of sensitization and chronic infection with A fumigatus in subjects with bronchiectasis. We also performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify factors predicting sensitization and chronic A fumigatus infection. METHODS: Subjects with bronchiectasis were investigated with serum A fumigatus-specific IgE and IgG, and sputum cultures for bacteria, fungus and mycobacteria. We defined A fumigatus sensitization and chronic A fumigatus infection as serum A fumigatus-specific IgE and IgG > 0.35 kUA/L and >27 mgA/L, respectively. We excluded subjects with bronchiectasis secondary to allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. RESULTS: We included 258 subjects (TB [n = 155], idiopathic [n = 66] and other causes [n = 37]) with bronchiectasis. The prevalence of Aspergillus sensitization, chronic Aspergillus infection, and both sensitization and chronic infection was 29.5% (76/258), 76% (196/258) and 26% (68/258), respectively. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, TB-related bronchiectasis was an independent risk factor for Aspergillus sensitization. Chronic Aspergillus infection was predicted by the duration of symptoms and specific aetiologies (tuberculosis and idiopathic) of bronchiectasis. The growth of Aspergillus species was also frequent in the TB group compared with other causes (32% vs 2%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant occurrence of Aspergillus sensitization and chronic infection in non-CF bronchiectasis, especially in TB bronchiectasis. In addition to Aspergillus sensitization, investigations for chronic Aspergillus infection should be routinely performed in non-CF bronchiectasis, both at diagnosis and during follow-up.

Compressive epidural collection as an unusual complication of FESS for a pediatric mycetoma.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a treatment of choice for fungal sinus ball (mycetoma), which is considered safe with a very low major complication rate. We present an unusual case of a 12-year-old female, who underwent FESS for a sphenoid sinus mycetoma and which was complicated by an acute, compressive epidural fluid collection. This presumably resulted from sinus irrigation in the setting of an under-appreciated skull base and mucosal defects causing a ball-valve effect. Our patient had a temporary neurologic deficit with complete recovery, however, similar complications can have fatal consequences.

Fungal ball of the maxillary sinus and the risk of persistent sinus dysfunction after simple antrostomy.

BACKGROUND: Maxillary sinus fungal ball is a common cause of unilateral maxillary sinusitis. Fungal balls or mycetomas are primarily treated with surgery to remove the fungus. However, this assumes the pre-fungal ball sinus cavity was normal and post-surgery patients may suffer from mucostasis in the sinus cavity with persistent symptoms. It is proposed that fungal balls are potentially a feature of impaired mucus clearance as they are a pathology in their own right. METHODS: A case series of consecutive patients undergoing antrostomy for maxillary sinus fungal ball was performed. Patient factors including age, gender, smoking status, comorbidities (allergy, asthma, and reflux), disease specific factors including duration of symptoms, microbiology (bacterial co-infection, Gram-positive and/or Gram-negative) and preoperative radiologic findings (extent of sinus development, and neo-osteogenesis/bone thickness) were collected. The primary outcome was sinus function defined by evidence of a normal functioning maxillary sinus, with the absence of mucostasis or pooling, on endoscopic exam at three months, six months and last follow-up. Endoscopic evaluation of inflammation was also collected. RESULTS: 28 patients (age 58.5 ± 15.5 years, 64.3% female) were assessed. Mucostasis was present at three months in 39.3%, at six months in 32.1%, and 17.9% at last follow-up. There was no comorbidity or radiologic finding that was associated with failure to normalize. Those patients with mucostasis had a higher modified Lund-Mackay endoscopic score at last follow-up (5.0 ± 0.7 v 0.2 ± 0.6, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Long term post-operative mucostasis occurred in 17.9% of patients following an adequate maxillary antrostomy for treatment of a fungal ball. Patients with mucostasis had persistent mucosal inflammation and a greater need for further surgery (modified medial maxillectomy).

Complications of Isolated Fungal Sphenoiditis: Patient Clinical Characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with complications of isolated fungal sphenoiditis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of patients diagnosed with isolated fungal sphenoiditis at Songklanagarind Hospital from January 2004 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Data related to demographics, clinical presentation, underlying disease, type of complication, surgical procedure, and clinical outcome were collected. RESULTS: Among the 35 participating patients, complications were found at a rate of 40%. The most common complication was visual loss (71.43%). We also compared the clinical characteristics between patients with and without complications via univariate analysis. The enrolled patients consisted of 12 men and 23 women (1:2). The mean age was older in the complications group 64 (41-84) vs. 57.43 (36-81) years, respectively. Underlying diabetes mellitus and complete opacity of the sphenoid sinus were factors that related significantly to the occurrence of complications. After treatment, 35.72% of the participants made a complete recovery; underlying diabetes mellitus was associated with a poor prognosis. CONCLUSION: This report indicates that practitioners must be careful of complications arising in elderly and female patients with isolated fungal sphenoiditis, who have a complete opacity of the sphenoid sinus and underlying diabetes mellitus.

Comparison of the clinical characteristics of bilateral and unilateral fungal balls in Korea.

OBJECTIVE: Fungal rhinosinusitis occurs in different forms depending on race and region. While allergic fungal rhinosinusitis is common in Caucasians, fungal ball (FB) is more common in Asians. However, most cases are reported as unilateral, and clinical data on bilateral FB (BFB) are rare. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze and to compare the clinical characteristics of BFB and unilateral FB (UFB) in Koreans. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed medical records and computed tomography (CT) images of 434 patients diagnosed with FB. The patients were divided into two groups: BFB and UFB. Demographic data, multiple allergen simultaneous test including total or specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, symptoms, CT findings, treatment, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the patients, 26 had BFB and 408 had UFB. Hypertension was noted in 61.5% of the BFB and 39% of the UBF individuals (p = 0.023). While total IgE levels were similar between the two groups, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (p = 0.004), Cladosporium (p = 0.017), and Aspergillus-specific IgE positivity (p = 0.025) were significantly higher in the BFB than in the UFB group. Not only symptoms such as postnasal drip (p = 0.013), mucopurulent rhinorrhea (p = 0.009), and foul odor (p = 0.037), but also sphenoid sinus involvement on CT images were more common in the BFB than in the UFB group (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Patients with BFB in Korea showed more common hypertension and symptoms of foul odor, mucopurulent rhinorrhea, and postnasal drip with allergy positivity compared to those with UFB. Therefore, understanding clinical characteristics of BFB will allow clinicians to approach BFB more appropriately.

Clinical pattern of fungal balls in the paranasal sinuses: our experience with 70 patients.

PURPOSE: Many physicians recommend endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) even when an asymptomatic paranasal sinus (PNS) fungal ball is detected incidentally. The aim of this study was to investigate the natural behavior of PNS fungal balls via sinus imaging techniques. METHODS: A follow-up study of 74 pathologically confirmed fungus balls was conducted in 70 patients who underwent multiple head and neck computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We investigated the changes in symptoms and lesion size, as well as any new occurrences. RESULTS: Of the 74 fungus balls detected in 70 patients, we observed the renewed formation of a fungal ball in 21 patients, which was not present on initial imaging conducted over a period of 2-162 months. The fungal ball was already present in 53 patients on the initial screening, and the longest follow-up was 197 months (range 1-197 months). Of these 53 lesions, 29 lesions showed an increase in size (29/53, 54.7%), whereas 12 lesions were not associated with any clinical symptoms (12/53, 22.6%). In the 21 newly formed fungal balls, further development was observed in 10 lesions, with 4 lesions showing an increase in size. Thus, size increment occurred in 33 of the 57 fungus balls. CONCLUSIONS: The fungal balls can exist without local tissue invasion for up to 17 years and new formation of the fungal balls was observed even within 2 months, especially when accompanied by initial clinical symptoms of sinusitis.

Combined medical-interventional approaches for the management of complex fungal balls: a case series as a viable alternative in non-surgical patients.

Intracavitary pulmonary aspergilloma is a persistent and life-threatening infection that carries a mortality rate of up to 15%. It occurs when Aspergillus species gain entry to an existing lung cavity. In the absence of definitive treatment, patients may succumb to severe complications such as massive hemoptysis, cachexia, or secondary infections. Aspergillomas often show limited response to antifungal medications, mainly due to insufficient drug concentrations within the cavities. Surgery is frequently the preferred treatment option, but it poses significant risks, and many individuals are ineligible due to underlying health issues. We present the most extensive non-surgical fungal ball cohort to date, managed using an innovative multimodal strategy that combines antifungal therapy before and after bronchoscopic debulking. This was a cross-sectional observational study. For those who cannot undergo surgery, our medical center has pioneered a multimodal approach to aspergilloma resection. This approach combines bronchoscopic endoscopy with antifungal therapy and has been applied successfully to more than 18 patients that are presented in this series. The median age of the cohort was 58 years (range: 32-73), with an equal sex distribution. The mean percent predicted FEV1 was 65.3%. The mean follow-up duration was 3.6 years (range: 0.5-10 years). The cohort receiving antifungals systematically prior to debridement showed a reduction of the pre-existing cavity (40.38 mm versus 34.02 mm, p = 0.021). Across the 18 patients during the follow-up period, 94% remained recurrence-free (defined by symptoms and radiology). Our study fills a critical knowledge gap regarding the significance of initiating antifungal treatment before bronchoscopic debulking and presents a viable approach in these cases for which there is a current unmet therapeutic need.

The use of both medical and interventional methods to treat difficult fungal masses: A collection of cases showing efficacy for patients who can't undergo surgeryIntracavitary pulmonary aspergilloma is a serious and potentially deadly infection with a death rate of up to 15%. It happens when certain types of fungi invade existing lung cavities. Without proper treatment, patients may experience severe complications like heavy bleeding from the lungs, weight loss, or other infections. Traditional antifungal medications often don't work well because they can't reach high enough concentrations in the cavities. Surgery is usually the best option, but it's risky and not possible for many due to other health problems. Our study introduces a new way to treat aspergilloma without surgery. We've treated a significant number of patients using a combination of antifungal drugs and a procedure called bronchoscopic debulking. This involves removing the fungal growth using a thin tube inserted through the airways. Our research involved observing 18 patients treated this way. They were mostly middle-aged, with equal numbers of men and women. Their lung function was moderately impaired, and we followed them for an average of 3.6 years. We found that giving antifungal drugs before the debulking procedure helped reduce the size of the cavities. After treatment, almost all patients remained free of symptoms and signs of recurrence. This study highlights the importance of starting antifungal therapy before bronchoscopic debulking and offers a promising option for patients who can't have surgery.