Acute Vision Loss in Patients With Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis: A Case Series

Abstract

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is a subtype of chronic noninvasive sinusitis accounting for 7.8% (0.2%-26.7%) of all chronic rhinosinusitis cases. A definitive diagnosis is usually made after sinus surgery. Successful treatment requires a combination of surgical and medical management. Although orbital involvement is relatively common, reports on optic neuropathy and acute vision loss are limited. Herein, we present a series of 3 patients with AFRS who presented with acute visual loss as the chief complaint. All 3 patients were otherwise healthy adults in their early 20s with extensive nasal polyps on endoscopic nasal examination and bone erosion in the bilateral orbits and lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus on the affected side on imaging. One of the 3 patients had bilateral cranial nerve IV defects in addition to cranial nerve III defects. All patients underwent endoscopic sinus surgery with orbital decompression and were followed up postoperatively by both otolaryngology and ophthalmology services with endoscopic and radiologic evaluation. Unfortunately, no meaningful improvement in vision was observed in any patient despite successful nerve decompression. Prompt diagnosis and early medical and surgical intervention are warranted to prevent complications in patients with AFRS with orbital extension.