In immunocompromised patients, symptoms and the pathogen spectrum of sinusitis are frequently atypical. If progressive loss
of vision occurs, an infection of the anterior skull base or nasal sinuses should be considered. We report on four patients
with orbit-associated symptoms. CT-imaging revealed bony defects in sinus borders to orbits or endocranium. In all the cases
immediate surgical drainage was performed because complications following sinusitis were suspected. Histopathological diagnosis
revealed two cases of aspergillosis and mucormycosis. The possibility of opportunistic infections by saprophytic fungi must
be taken into account in immunocompromised patients, as they may endanger both vision and survival. Immediate diagnosis and
therapy are essential. Nowadays, therapeutic success can be achieved due to advances in antimicrobial therapy, hyperbaric
oxygen therapy and treatment of the underlying disease. Radical procedures like orbital exenteration must be considered in
all cases. The current state of diagnostics, therapy and prognosis is discussed based on these case reports and the recent
literature.
Keywords Mucormycosis - Aspergillosis - Opportunistic infections - Anterior skull base - Surgery of the paranasal sinuses
Presented at the 7th European Skull Base Society Congress, Fulda, November 2005.