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Fungus That Struck the Brain: A Case of Invasive Sino-Orbital Aspergillosis Causing a Stroke

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Invasive sino-orbital aspergillosis is a rare but potentially fatal fungal infection that predominantly affects immunocompromised individuals. It can lead to severe complications such as internal carotid artery invasion and ischemic stroke. We report a case of a 74-year-old male patient with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus who presented with right eye pain and proptosis. Imaging revealed a sino-orbital mass with invasion into the cavernous sinus and internal carotid artery. Following a biopsy, the patient suffered an ischemic stroke due to the right internal carotid artery occlusion, requiring mechanical thrombectomy and stent placement. Histopathology confirmed Aspergillus fumigatus, and the patient was treated with amphotericin B and voriconazole, showing improvement. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach in managing invasive sino-orbital aspergillosis to prevent fatal vascular complications.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.84327

Authors: Nidha Shapoo, Jumana Chalabi, Paul Huang, Seth Lieberman, Noella Boma

Institutions: New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center, Bellevue Hospital Center

Language: English

Topic: Antifungal resistance and susceptibility

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4410469315