Conidiobolus coronata granuloma of left inferior turbinate: a rare presentation.

OBJECTIVE

To report a rare genus of a fungal family commonly affecting the sinonasal region, which presented as a fungal granuloma of the inferior turbinate in an immunocompetent host. Such a case has not previously been reported.

CASE REPORT: A 49-year-old man presented with nasal conidiobolus limited to the left inferior turbinate, despite pre-operative fungal culture and tissue biopsy being negative for any fungal growth. On computed tomography scanning of the paranasal sinuses, and peri-operatively, the left inferior turbinate was seen to be enlarged and a bony, cartilaginous spur was found to impinge deep into the inferior turbinate. The spur may have caused microtrauma suitable for spore implantation, leading to fungal granuloma development. This unusual presentation highlights the fact that excision biopsy is diagnostic and therapeutic in such cases.

CONCLUSION

Conidiobolus coronata of the inferior turbinate is rare. Such a fungal granuloma may be large enough to be confused with a benign or malignant lesion of the nasal cavity.