МРТ ВИЗУАЛИЗАЦИЯ ОСЛОЖНЕНИЙ СРЕДНЕЙ ЗОНЫ ЛИЦА У ПАЦИЕНТОВ, ПЕРЕНЕСШИХ COVID-19

Abstract

Abstract. Introduction. Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is an angio-invasive infection caused by filamentous fungi of the Mucoraceae family. Numerous factors were proposed determining mucormycosis against the COVID-19 background. Predisposing factors include uncontrolled diabetes, hematological malignancies, transplantation of solid organs and stem cells, corticosteroids, and weakened immunity. Aim of the study was to investigate the tomographic signs of rhino-cerebral mucormycosis. Materials and Methods. A retrospective study of CT and/or MRI images of 120 patients was conducted, who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 associated with mucormycosis, based on histopathology and/or seeding. Results and Discussion. Imaging findings of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis associated with COVID-19 using an adapted simplified (three-stage) staging system that can be easily applied to everyday practice and helps standardize and improve communication between radiologists and clinicians. The severity of the disease varies from isolated lesions of the paranasal sinuses to extensive brain damage. Clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 with rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis gradually increase depending on the severity of imaging. Conclusions. Early diagnosis of mucormycosis is crucial because visualization is essential at staging the disease and assessing the involvement of deeper structures that may be clinically unmanifest. Although both CT and MRI are useful, contrast-enhanced MRI is the method of choice and helps determine the extent of the disease, especially with respect to the deep spread in the maxillofacial region and brain.