Endodontic material diffusion in the pathogenesis of maxillary sinus aspergillosis

Abstract

One undesirable sequela of root canal treatment is the overextension of endodontic material into the maxillary sinus, which may represent a risk factor for maxillary sinus aspergillosis (MSA). Diverse clinical presentations of aspergillosis have been reported and they vary depending on the immune status of the host. The noninvasive form called Aspergillus mycetoma occurs mostly in healthy people. This report describes a case of MSA associated with root canal overfilling in a 27-year-old healthy man. The patient had been asymptomatic for 6 years after root canal treatment. Radiography revealed a diffuse radiopaque mass inside the left maxillary sinus, with radiolucent areas near the cortical bone of the maxillary sinus. Computed tomography (CT) showed the presence of material with a density similar to that of soft tissue. Imaging findings suggested that the calcification filled the left maxillary antrum, without expansion or bone destruction. The lesion was removed, and microscopic examination of the specimen revealed an inflammatory process with numerous dichotomized fungal structures (compatible with Aspergillus sp.). Histopathological features were compatible with aspergillosis. Treatment consisted of surgery and adjunctive anti-fungal therapy with itraconazole. Clinical and radiographic follow-up revealed no recurrence of the lesion.