Aspergillus sphenoid sinusitis-induced orbital apex syndrome in HIV infection.

Background: Orbital apex syndrome due to aspergillus sphenoid sinusitis is a rare condition. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has recently been reported in aspergillus orbital abscess. To the authors' knowledge this is the first reported association of HIV with the orbital apex syndrome.

Methods: A 37-year-old HIV-infected man presented with headache, reduced vision and progressive ophthalmoplegia in the right eye. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed sphenoid sinusitis. Sphenoid sinus biopsy was performed.

Results: Light microscopy revealed infiltrative branching septate fungal hyphae. Fungal culture isolated Aspergillus fumigatus.

Conclusions: Atypical fungal infection such as Aspergillus fumigatus sphenoid sinusitis should be suspected in HIV-infected patients with orbital apex syndrome.