Allergic Fungal Sinusitis With Massive Intracranial Extension Presenting With Tearing

A 24-year-old male presented with tearing, and subsequent workup and imaging showed a mass with fluid involving the nasopharynx, the paranasal sinuses, and the posterior dehiscence of the left frontal sinus intracranially compressing the frontal lobe significantly. Microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis of allergic fungal sinusitis. Endoscopic drainage and sinostomy was performed by the otolaryngology (ear-nose-throat) service. The patient was followed 9 months postoperatively and did well with resolution of the epiphora. Although epiphora alone is an unusual presentation of allergic fungal sinusitis, ophthalmologists need to be aware of this entity, as it may invade the orbit through the sinus cavities or compress on the nasolacrimal duct before it causes other mass-related symptoms. Radiology and the characteristic histopathologic findings are the most useful in establishing the correct diagnosis.