Sinusal fungal ball as a consequence of long-term hydrocortisone therapy

Authors

Keywords:

drug-related side effects and adverse reactions, fungal infection, hydrocortisone, medication errors

Abstract

Introduction: Diagnosis of sinus fungal ball (SFB) remains a challenge in clinical practice. However, the use of corticosteroids in patients with autoimmune diseases may increase the risk of occurrence.

Objective: To report the occurrence of sinus fungal ball after long-term treatment with hydrocortisone in an autoimmune patient.

Case report: A 57-year-old patient, diagnosed with Addison's disease (AD) at age 21 and on continuous hydrocortisone therapy since then, presented to the healthcare facility. Initially, bacterial sinusitis was suspected, and he underwent multiple antibiotic courses over six months. On computed tomography, pseudopneumatization with an oval image compatible with a fungal ball was observed. Finally, SFB was removed nine months after the initial medical care. The level of causality between sinus fungal ball and hydrocortisone was "possible" and had a "moderate" severity level.

Conclusions: Healthcare professionals should consider the diagnosis of sinus fungal ball in immunocompromised patients during clinical practice and should remain alert to the possibility of fungal infections as side effects of long-term corticosteroid therapy.

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Published

2025-09-30

How to Cite

1.
Ludeña-Yance R, Yacono-Ruiz P, Campos-Yaipen R, Mendoza-Montoya P-E, Salvador-Carrillo JF. Sinusal fungal ball as a consequence of long-term hydrocortisone therapy. Rev. cuba. med. mil [Internet]. 2025 Sep. 30 [cited 2025 Oct. 3];54(4):e025076511. Available from: https://revmedmilitar.sld.cu/index.php/mil/article/view/76511

Issue

Vol. 54 No. 4 (2025): October - December (In Progress)

Section

Case Presentation

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Copyright (c) 2025 Rony Ludeña-Yance , Patricia Yacono-Ruiz, Rosa Campos-Yaipen, Pierre-Estherlin Mendoza-Montoya, Jose Fernando Salvador-Carrillo

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