Sinus fungal balls caused by Syncephalastrum spp.: 2 clinical cases and literature review

Abstract

Introduction

Syncephalastrum spp. is a mucoral that rarely produces pathology. Fungal balls caused by this genus are infrequent. It requires early diagnosis and treatment to avoid associated morbidity and mortality.

Methods

We describe two clinical cases of sinus fungus balls caused by Syncephalastrum spp. and review the literature.

Results

Two patients were treated for sinus fungus balls. When their samples were analysed, the aetiology was determined to be Syncephalastrum spp. A case of pulmonary fungus ball due to Syncephalastrum spp. is described in the literature. All cases, including these described in the present study, had a good evolution after treatment.

Conclusions

Syncephalastrum spp. is a filamentous fungus that should be considered as an aetiology of sinus fungus ball.

Resumen

Introducción

Syncephalastrum spp. es un mucoral que excepcionalmente produce patología. Las bolas fúngicas causadas por este género de hongos son infrecuentes. Requiere un diagnóstico y tratamiento precoces para evitar morbimortalidad asociada.

Métodos

Se describen dos casos clínicos de bola fúngica sinusal por Syncephalastrum spp. y se realiza revisión bibliográfica.

Resultados

Dos pacientes fueron tratadas de sendos casos de bola fúngica sinusal. Al ser analizadas sus muestras se determinó que su etiología era Syncephalastrum spp. En la literatura se describe un caso de bola fúngica pulmonar por Syncephalastrum spp. Todos los casos, incluyendo los descritos en el presente estudio, tuvieron una buena evolución tras tratamiento.

Conclusiones

Syncephalastrum spp. es un hongo filamentoso que debe ser considerado como etiología de bola fúngica sinusal.