Unlike acute invasive fungal sinusitis whose typical course is less than 4 weeks, chronic invasive fungal sinusitis is a slower, destructive process that occurs over the course of three months. It is usually seen in patients with AIDS, diabetes, or those who take steroids continuously.
The disease most commonly affects the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses, but may involve any sinus. The most common fungual cause is aspergillus fumigatus. Treatment includes surgery and medical therapy. Medical therapy may include anti-fungal drugs and medications that restore the patient’s immune system.