Aspergillus sinusitis in patients with AIDS: Report of three cases and review

Invasive aspergillosis is an uncommon but increasingly reported complication of AIDS. Sinusitis, usually bacterial in etiology, is frequently seen among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)infected patients. We discuss the cases of three patients with AIDS and invasive aspergillus sinusitis seen at our institutions and those of 15 patients who are described in the literature. Seven of the 18 had brain involvement, 3 had orbital involvement, and 7 had mastoid or other bony disease. Three had evidence of concomitant invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Of 15 patients with evaluable histories, 11 had recognized risks for invasive aspergillosis; 6 had previous sinusitis, otitis, or polyposis; and 11 had prior conditions indicative of advanced HIV-related disease. Despite aggressive surgical intervention and systemic antifungal therapy, nearly all patients died as a result of aspergillosis.