Cleveland Clinic Saves Vision for Patient with Rare Fungal Sinus Infection

Photo: WAM

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group, saved a 57-year-old woman from losing her eye due to a rare and aggressive fungal sinus infection. Doctors performed a complex skull base surgery, preventing the need for eye removal, also known as orbital exenteration.

The woman had previously undergone sinus surgery at another hospital. However, after the procedure, she developed an infection in the maxillary sinuses—air-filled spaces located behind the cheeks. Over time, her condition worsened.

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She later arrived at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Emergency Department, suffering from severe pain and swelling on the right side of her face. Doctors initially treated her with antibiotics and steroids, but her symptoms did not improve. Instead, she began experiencing nasal congestion, changes in her sense of smell, and intense headaches that made daily activities difficult.

Further tests, including an MRI scan, showed thickened tissue in her sinuses. The scan also revealed that the thin bone separating her sinuses from her eye socket had been breached, allowing the infection to spread dangerously close to her eye. If left untreated, it could have spread further and affected her brain.

Dr. Mahdi Shkoukani, who leads the Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Department at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, described the case as one of the rarest they had seen. “Even though the patient was otherwise healthy and had a normal immune system, the fungal infection had advanced to a stage where it posed a serious threat to her eye and brain,” he explained.

Thanks to the expertise of the medical team, doctors successfully performed surgery to remove the infection and save her eye. The patient later shared her experience, saying, “I never thought a sinus infection could become so dangerous. I hope my story helps others understand the importance of seeking medical help early if they have ongoing symptoms.”

This case highlights the need for timely medical attention, especially when symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment. It also showcases the importance of advanced medical care in handling complex and life-threatening conditions.