Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis Research Articles

Risk Stratification of Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis in Patients With Hematologic Pathology.

The purpose of this study is to identify objective perioperative diagnostic factors for acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFS) to create a diagnostic scoring system using objective criteria. Retrospective case-control study performed at an academic, tertiary care center. Biopsy-proven cases of AIFS identified from pathology records (2015-2019) were compared to patients the otolaryngology service was consulted to "Rule out AIFS" in the year 2019, only including those with underlying hematologic malignancy. Eighteen patients with AIFS and 20 patients without were included. One and two tailed T-tests were used for p-values. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated for the significant data, and Youden's J-statistic was used to create the ideal cutoff values for each. Likelihood ratios were used to give a power for the scoring system. Compared to patients with non-hematologic malignancy-related AIFS, patients with hematologic malignancy-related AIFS have significantly elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and blood glucose; while albumin, hematocrit, platelet count, and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) were found to be significantly lower. In addition, Lund-Mackay score asymmetry, extra-sinus spread, aspergillus antigen, and pre-existing diabetes mellitus correlated with disease. A scoring system with three categories: AIFS Unlikely, Indeterminate/AIFS Suspicious, and AIFS Highly Likely was developed. Patients with hematologic malignancy-related AIFS have measurable differences in lab values and standard imaging that could be used in determining the diagnostic probability of AIFS including: CRP, albumin, hematocrit, platelets, ANC, blood glucose, aspergillus antigen, Lund-Mackay score asymmetry, extra-sinus spread, and pre-existing diabetes mellitus. A novel scoring system was proposed that will require prospective validation. 3 Laryngoscope, 133:1059-1064, 2023.

A comparative study on the clinical profile of COVID-related and non-COVID-related acute invasive fungal rhino sinusitis.

PurposeTo compare the clinical profile of COVID-related and non-COVID-related rhino-orbito-cerebral invasive fungal disease.MethodsWe have compared the comorbidities, clinical features, course of the disease and outcome between COVID-related and non-COVID-related acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) of the rhino-orbito-cerebral form.ResultsHbA1c and blood sugar at the time of admission were significantly higher in the non-COVID group (P < 0.05). Duration of stay, and use of steroids were significantly higher among the COVID group (P < 0.05). The period of hospital stay was significantly higher in the COVID group. The overall survival in the COVID group was 67.57%. In the non-COVID group the overall survival was 61.90%.This study found that odds of surgical treatment was significantly lower among non-survivors (P < 0.05). Similarly patients who developed stages 3 & 4 of the disease had a lower survival rate (P < 0.05).ConclusionDiabetes mellitus is a key risk factor for the development of AIFRS. Pre-existing, grossly uncontrolled DM was the predisposing factor in the non-COVID group. Deranged glucose profile associated with COVID illness and its treatment and immunological disturbances in a vulnerable population, contributed to the surge in cases of AIFRS in the COVID-19-related group. Patients who underwent combined medical and surgical treatment had a significantly better outcome following AIFRS.

Microbiological assessment of COVID-19 associated acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis: A tertiary hospital based study

Microbiological assessment of COVID-19 associated acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis: A tertiary hospital based study

PREVALENCE OF FUNGAL ISOLATES IN UNILATERAL SINONASAL DISEASE

Fungal sinusitis has been on a rising trend and poses a health burden. Our study aims to nd out the prevalence of fungal isolates in unilateral sinonasal disease and its association with diabetes mellitus. A prospective study was conducted for 2years from August 2017 to August 2019. 150 patients were selected for study based on history, Diagnostic nasal endoscopy and radiological ndings. Patients were subjected to Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). Sample collected has been sent for fungal smear, fungal culture and Histopathological examination. 50 (33.3%) patients were diagnosed with fungal rhinosinusitis based on fungal smear positivity and histopathology showing fungal elements. 100 (66.7 %) patients were categorized as non-fungal rhinosinusitis. Among the cases of fungal rhinosinusitis, 28 patients (56% of fungal rhinosinusitis) were diagnosed as allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, 15 patients (30% of fungal rhinosinusitis) were diagnosed as acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis and 7 patients (14 % of fungal rhinosinusitis) were categorized as a fungal ball. A strong association has been found between fungal sinusitis and diabetes mellitus.

Changing Trends in the Survival of Immunosuppressed Children with Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis.

Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis has been associated with high mortality rates. We aimed to explore the contribution of novel detection and treatment methods on the outcome of immunosuppressed children with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. The records of all children with a hematologic or oncologic disease who developed acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis between 2005-2020 were reviewed. Thirty-four patients were included. Aspergillosis and mucormycosis were diagnosed in 20 patients (59%) and 12 patients (35%), respectively. Panfungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was associated with a change of treatment in 36% of patients. A more aggressive surgical approach as well as treatment with liposomal amphotericin B and novel antifungals were adopted in recent years. Overall, 26% of patients died of disease, however no disease-specific death occurred since 2012. Diagnosis using panfungal PCR (p = .04) and treatment with novel antifungal medications (p = .017) were significantly associated with disease-specific survival. Enhanced fungal detection using panfungal PCR and treatment with novel antifungal agents, combined with rapid diagnosis and treatment, aggressive surgical approach and better control over the underlying oncological disease, may significantly improve the outcome of immunosuppressed children with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis.

Clinico-epidemiological Profile of COVID-19Associated Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis Reported in the Teaching Hospital of Diwaniya,Qadisiya Province, Iraq: A Case Series

Introduction: With the current COVID-19 pandemic, the increasing use of glucocorticoids has resulted in more adverse effects and secondary bacterial or fungal infections. Objective: To find out the clinic-epidemiological profile of patients having COVID-19 associated invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in Diwaniya teaching hospital- Qadisiya province - Iraq.Method: Retrospective case series study of 24 patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to Alshafa centre in Al-Diwaniyah Province from 1st of May 2020 to end of August 2021. Patients were moderate to severe COVID-19 received treatment according to local guidelines. Patients who developed signs and symptoms of nose and paranasal sinuses disorder were seen by otolaryngologists and treated by a multidisciplinary team if invasive mucormycosis and its comorbidities were detected.Results: Out of 24 patients, 8 were female and two patients were excluded because their histopathological examination hasn’t confirmed acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. The average age was 54 years old, they all had diabetes, 2 patients had chronic kidney diseases, and 2 patients had malignancy (leukaemia). Furthermore, 19 patients were with severe SARS-COV-2 while 5 patients had moderate symptoms. All patients were confirmed COVID-19 positive by PCR test.Conclusion: Invasive fungal infections of the nose and paranasal sinuses are highly lethal conditions with significant morbidity. Early recognition and high index of suspicion are needed in the case of COVID-19 patients who complain features of sinusitis with careful prescription of drugs that affect immune response in COVID-19 patients.

Curvularia Sinusitis in Leukemic Patients

Abstract Curvularia species are dematiaceous filamentous fungi that can cause a variety of infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. We present 2 cases of severely immunosuppressed patients with acute invasive fungal sinusitis due to Curvularia species. Both patients had a history of hematologic malignancy with refractory disease and prolonged neutropenia. They presented with facial and sinus pain, which prompted maxillofacial computed tomography that showed acute sinusitis. Subsequently, they underwent nasal endoscopy with a biopsy that revealed a definitive diagnosis of invasive fungal sinusitis. Dematiaceous fungi are responsible for most fungal sinusitis cases, with Curvularia being one of the most common species isolated. Generally, invasive fungal rhinosinusitis may follow a relatively innocuous and nonspecific course. In addition, fungal infections may complicate chronic allergic sinusitis. Computed tomography scan is the first imaging modality of choice, and magnetic resonance imaging has a role in prognostication in acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. Endoscopic sinus surgery with biopsy yields a definitive diagnosis and is therapeutic. Management typically includes a combination of surgery and antifungal agents. Severe neutropenia is a significant risk factor for infection and is associated with poor outcomes. Aggressive surgical debridement, combined with antifungal therapy, should be emphasized in leukemic patients despite their prolonged neutropenia and bleeding tendency.

Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis presenting with subperiosteal cheek abscess: A case report

Mucormycosis is a severe, rapidly progressive fungal infection, seen in immunocompromised patients. We report an unusual case of mucormycosis of maxilla, presenting only with cheek abscess. The patient was a young male with uncontrolled diabetes. This presentation of mucormycosis is rare, complete examination and high degrees of suspicion are necessary. The rapid progression in lack of active treatment is often fatal.

Post-COVID-19 acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis: a systematic radiological approach in the light of clinico-surgical characteristics

BackgroundThe objective is to describe the radiological imaging findings of post-COVID-19 acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS), being familiar with the wide variety of imaging spectrum, thus raising the suspicion for early diagnosis. Methods: In this retrospective study, we reviewed the imaging findings in 54 patients with proven post-COVID-19 AIFRS who underwent endoscopic/surgical debridement from April 2020 to September 2021. Most of these patients presented with facial or orbital swelling or facial pain. Medical records with a special emphasis on radiological imaging (50 NCCT of the paranasal sinuses and 17 MRIs of the orbit) were reviewed regarding the degree of mucosal disease of sinuses, nasal cavity, and nasopharynx, extra sinus soft tissue infiltration, especially orbital and cerebral extension (parenchymal, cavernous sinus, vascular or neuro-invasion).ResultsWe reported findings in 54 patients with post-COVID-19 AIFRS, of whom 30 were men and 24 were women with a mean age of 48.06. Unexpectedly, infiltration of pterygopalatine fossa was found to precede mucosal opacification of sinuses nasal cavity and affection of nasopharynx. Out of 54 patients, 49 showed inflammatory changes involving pterygopalatine fossa, 29.6% of patients showed infiltration of orbital tissues, 22 patients suffered from a fungal invasion of the cavernous sinus and 3 patients had carotid artery involvement.ConclusionsImaging findings of AIFRS significantly vary from subtle mucosal thickening of paranasal sinuses, up to orbital and intracranial extension with vascular thrombosis and neuroinvasion. The hallmark inflammatory tissue infiltration into the pterygopalatine fossa and facial soft tissue may precede mucosal disease.

Invasive Mucormycosis and Aspergillosis Coinfection Associated with Post-COVID-19 Pneumonia in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis is a rare infection primarily affecting patients with co-morbidities like immunosuppression and poorly controlled diabetes. Mucormycosis is increasingly being reported in patients with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). However, reports of coinfection of aspergillosis and mucormycosis involving nose, paranasal sinuses, orbit, and brain are rare in literature. We aimed to evaluate the patient demographics, clinical presentation, and management of cases presenting with mixed infection. We carried out retrospective analysis of 12 patients with confirmed diagnosis of mixed invasive fungal infections post-COVID-19 disease out of 70 cases of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) presenting to a tertiary-level hospital in North India from May to June 2021. All patients had diabetes mellitus; the mean age was 48 years. The common presenting features were headache, nasal congestion, palatal ulcer, and vision loss accompanied by facial pain and swelling. Two patients developed cerebral abscess during the course of treatment; three patients had concurrent COVID-19 pneumonia. All patients received systemic liposomal amphotericin B and serial surgical debridements. The overall mortality rate was 16.7%. Our study demonstrates that mucormycosis and aspergillosis are angioinvasive mycoses that are clinically and radiologically identical. KOH direct mount of clinical sample showing septate hyphae should be extensively searched for aseptate hyphae after digestion and clearing of the tissue. A high index of suspicion of mixed infection post-COVID-19 and early initiation of liposomal amphotericin B followed by prompt surgical intervention can reduce the overall morbidity and mortality among patients with this condition.

Two Adults with Rhinosinusitis Fungal Infection Post COVID-19 in A Lebanese Hospital: Case Report

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a newly-emerging viral illness, affecting primarily the respiratory tract, that has been linked to the occurrence of severe opportunistic fungal and bacterial infections. The incidence of fungal infection increases in patients infected with COVID-19 due to the use of corticosteroids and the accompanying uncontrolled hyperglycemia. We report two cases of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFR): Mucormycosis and Aspergillosis (cases 1 and 2 respectively), diagnosed radiologically and histopathologically. Both cases were treated by a combination of medical treatment and surgical debridement. The first patient improved and was discharged home, while there was a delay in the operation for the second patient who passed away. It is important to raise efforts to adjust hyperglycemia and limit the excessive systematic use of steroids during COVID pandemic to reduce fungal infections.

Is There a Role for Bedside Biopsy in the Evaluation of Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis?

Is There a Role for Bedside Biopsy in the Evaluation of Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis?

326. Radiologic Findings of COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis (CAM) from India

BackgroundThe unique feature of the second wave of the COVID -19 pandemic in India has been the alarming surge of acute invasive fungal infection among COVID -19 patients. The increased incidence of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is a matter of concern, as this fulminant infection has high morbidity and mortality. Hence, it is imperative to understand it’s imaging features, for early diagnosis, staging and treatment.MethodsWe systematically reviewed 32 COVID-19 cases with imaging diagnosis of acute invasive fungal rhino-sinusitis or rhino-orbital-cerebral disease between March to May 2021. These patients underwent contrast MRI of the paranasal sinus, orbit and brain. Contrast enhanced CT chest and paranasal sinuses were done as needed.ResultsThe age group ranged between 30 to 71 yrs with male preponderance. The most common predisposing factors were intravenous steroid therapy and supplemental oxygen. All cases were confirmed by fungal culture and most common was Mucor. The rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis was staged as belowStageNo. of cases1 (Limited to nasal cavity)22 (Involving Paranasal sinuses) 143 (Involvement of orbit)84 (Involvement of CNS)8In our study we found that the most common site in the nasal cavity was the middle turbinate /meatus and the earliest sign was non-enhancing / “black” turbinate. Premaxillary and retroantral fat necrosis was the earliest sign of soft tissue invasion. Spread via the sphenopalatine foramen and pterygopalatine fossa was more common than bony erosions. Orbital cellulitis and optic neuritis were the most common among stage 3 cases. Of patients with CNS involvement, the most common were cavernous sinus thrombosis and trigeminal neuritis. Two patients with pulmonary mucormycosis showed large necrotic cavitary lesions, giving the characteristic “bird’s nest” appearance.Figure 1. Black turbinate Contrast enhanced coronal T1 FS images of paranasal sinuses shows necrotic non-enhancing right superior and middle turbinates (*)Figure 2: Axial contrast enhanced T1 FS image showing necrotic non enhancing premaxillary (arrowhead) and retroantral fat (straight arrow) walled off by thin enhancing rim. Figure 3: Contrast enhanced axial T1 FS images of paranasal sinuses shows necrotic non-enhancing left middle meatus spreading along sphenopalatine foramen in to pterygopalatine fossa (arrow head) ConclusionThe mortality rate was 20% in our study. In our short term follow up, 30 % of recovered patients had relapse on imaging due to incomplete clearance and partial antifungal treatment. High clinical suspicion and low imaging threshold are vital for early Mucormycosis detection in COVID-19 patients. Familiarity with early imaging signs is critical to prevent associated morbidity /mortality.Figure 4: Contrast enhanced coronal T1 FS and diffusion weighted images shows necrotic non-enhancing left middle meatus with left orbital cellulitis (*) and optic neuritis (white arrow) Figure 5. Bird’s nest Axial CT chest image in lung window shows necrotic right upper lobe cavity with internal septations and debris on a background of surrounding COVID-19 changes.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Emergence of Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis in Recently Recovered COVID-19 Patients.

The risk of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis is increased in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) because of its direct impact in altering innate immunity and is further exacerbated by widespread use of steroids/antibiotics/monoclonal antibodies. The study aims to describe this recently increased clinical entity in association with COVID-19. A prospective, longitudinal study including patients diagnosed with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) who recently recovered from COVID-19 infection or after an asymptomatic carrier state. A single-center, descriptive study investigating demographic details, clinical presentation, radio-pathological aspects, and advocated management. A total of 21 patients were included with a mean age of 49.62 years (SD: 14.24). Diabetes mellitus (DM) was the most common underlying disorder (90.48%), and 63.16% of all patients with DM had a recent onset DM, either diagnosed during or after COVID-19 infection. Nineteen patients (90.48%) had recently recovered from active COVID-19 infection, and all had a history of prior steroid treatment (oral/parenteral). Remaining 2 patients were asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers. Surprisingly, 2 patients had no underlying disorder, and 5 (23.81%) recently received the Covishield vaccine. Fungal analysis exhibited Mucor (95.24%) and Aspergillus species (14.29%). Most common sign/symptom was headache and facial/periorbital pain (85.71%), followed by facial/periorbital swelling (61.90%). Disease involvement: sinonasal (100%), orbital (47.62%), pterygopalatine fossa (28.58%), infratemporal fossa (14.29%), intracranial (23.81%), and skin (9.52%). Exclusive endoscopic debridement and combined approach were utilized in 61.90% and 38.10%, respectively. Both liposomal amphotericin B and posaconazole were given in all patients except one. A high suspicion of AIFRS should be kept in patients with recent COVID-19 infection who received steroids and presenting with headache, facial pain, and/or facial swelling. Asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers and COVID-19 vaccinated candidates are also observed to develop AIFRS, although the exact immuno-pathogenesis is still unknown. Prompt diagnosis and early management are vital for a favorable outcome.

Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis associated with COVID-19: An observational study

Respiratory Viral infections predispose patients to various coinfections and this may lead to enhanced disease severity and mortality. Despite the proven importance of co-infections, these are understudied during the large outbreaks of respiratory infections. Occurrence of invasive fungal respiratory superinfections in patients with COVID-19 has gained increasing attention recently. This study aims to assess Clinical &amp; Microbiological profile of patients with invasive sinusitis in setting of COVID-19 disease at our institute Study Design: A retrospective observational study. Study included patients diagnosed with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFR) suffering from or having a history of coronavirus disease infection over the period of three months.(April 21 – June 21). The patients’ presentation details, imaging findings, co-morbidities, management details, and follow-up information were obtained, recorded and analysed. A total of 32 patients with AIFR with a mean age of 54.46±13.13 years old were included. Most common associated disease was diabetes mellitus (62.5%). Mycological analysis revealed most common fungi isolated from these patients were Mucor species.(56.25%) followed by Aspergillus species(15.62%) while coinfection with both of these species was seen in 5 patients.(15.62%) Candida species was isolated from samples of 4 patients (12.5%). Radiological studies of nose and paranasal sinuses showed that ethmoid (62.5%) and maxillary (46.87%) sinuses being the most commonly affected sinuses followed by Frontal (31.25%) and sphenoid (21.87%) sinuses. Peri-orbital invasion was seen in 5 (15.62%) cases whereas intracranial involvement was seen in 1 patient.(3.12%) In 8 (25%) patients only medical line of treatment was sufficient whereas 20 (62.5%) patients required surgical debridement during the treatment. 4 patients were lost to follow up. Overall survival was 90.62% (29/32) at the conclusion of the study. We are still learning the new and long-term complications of COVID- 19.The puzzle still remains unsolved about the cause and increased prevalence of invasive fungal infections in post-covid-19 population. High clinical suspicion and early and accurate diagnosis of AIFR in COVID-19 patients are essential for better prognosis.

Clinicoepidemiological study of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in a tertiary care centre

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) accounted for severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which was declared a global pandemic by World health organization (WHO) in March 2020. In second wave of COVID there was notable surge in Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS). We observed that use of systemic corticosteroids in treatment of COVID 19 especially among patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus increased the incidence of AIFRS.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; This is retrospective observational study carried out in a Tertiary care Hospital GMC Akola from period of February 2021 to august 2021 were patients with the suspected diagnosis of AIFRS were admitted and evaluated following a standardized protocol, including clinical examination diagnostic nasal endoscopy, radiological evaluation. Diagnosis of AIFRS was confirmed on histopathology.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Study was conducted in GMC, Akola of 136 patients out of which 97 were males and 39 were females. In our study 78.67% patients had history of covid infection, followed by diabetes mellitus in 54.41%, history of steroid treatment found in 64.70% patients. On HPE 69.85% were positive for mucor and mixed infection (mucor and aspergillus) were found in 6.61%. Most common presenting feature was facial pain and swelling in 66.91%, palatal changes with dental pain in 45.58%, diminution of vision 17.64%, headache in 27.94% patients.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Early and prompt diagnosis in high level of clinical suspicion in suspicious patient of AIFRS is vital to improve outcomes as it is known to have high morbidity and mortality (18-80%).&lt;/p&gt;

Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis and Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (mucormycosis) is a rare, highly fatal disease. This opportunistic fungal infection causes angioinvasion and ischemic tissue necrosis. It mainly affects immunocompromised patients. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, many case reports have described the rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis associated with COVID-19. However, the underlying predisposing factors are unknown. Several factors, other than diabetes, which is the most well-known contributing factor, may be involved in causing this severe fungal infection in COVID-19 patients. These factors may include steroid therapy, which is being used in severely dyspneic patients, the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics that may cause fungal flare-ups, and hospitalization with possible nosocomial infections. In addition, increased serum ferritin levels, possible endothelial damage, and pancreatic islets affection among COVID-19 patients may be implicated. Head and neck surgeons should be aware of the increasing prevalence of craniofacial mucormycosis among COVID-19 patients, as early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to improve the outcomes.

COVID associated mucormycosis: A preliminary study from a dedicated COVID Hospital in Delhi

BackgroundIt is an incontrovertible fact that the Rhino Orbital Cerebral Mucormycosis (ROCM) upsurge is being seen in the context of COVID-19 in India. Briefly presented is evidence that in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, a dysfunctional immune system due to SARS-COV-2 and injudicious use of corticosteroids may be largely responsible for this malady. ObjectiveTo find the possible impact of COVID 19 infection and various co-morbidities on occurrence of ROCM and demonstrate the outcome based on medical and surgical interventions.Methodology.Prospective longitudinal study included patients diagnosed with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis after a recent COVID-19 infection. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy (DNE) was performed on each patient and swabs were taken and sent for fungal KOH staining and microscopy. Medical management included Injection Liposomal Amphotericin B, Posaconazole and Voriconazole. Surgical treatment was restricted to patients with RT PCR negative results for COVID-19. Endoscopic, open, and combined approaches were utilized to eradicate infection. Follow-up for survived patients was maintained regularly for the first postoperative month. ResultsOut of total 131 patients, 111 patients had prior history of SARS COVID 19 infection, confirmed with a positive RT-PCR report and the rest 20 patients had no such history. Steroids were received as a part of treatment in 67 patients infected with COVID 19. Among 131 patients, 124 recovered, 1 worsened and 6 died. Out of 101 known diabetics, 98 recovered and 3 had fatal outcomes. 7 patients with previous history of COVID infection did not have any evidence of Diabetes mellitus, steroid intake or any other comorbidity. ConclusionIt can be concluded that ROCM upsurge seen in the context of COVID-19 in India was mainly seen in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, a dysfunctional immune system due to SARS-COV-2 infection and injudicious use of corticosteroids.

Revisiting rhino-orbito-cerebral acute invasive fungal sinusitis in the era of COVID-19: pictorial review.

COVID-19 patients have been found to have an increased incidence of superadded fungal infections because of multiple factors such as impaired cell-mediated immunity, immunosuppressive therapy, and coexistent diabetes mellitus. Recently, there has been a significant rise in the COVID-19-associated mucormycosis and aspergillosis cases involving the sinonasal cavity and the lungs. Rhino-orbito-cerebral acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFR) is a potentially life-threatening, invasive fungal infection. Early diagnosis followed by prompt medical management and surgical intervention is crucial for patient survival. The role of cross-sectional imaging (CT/MRI) is not only to suggest a diagnosis of invasive fungal sinusitis but also to delineate the complete extent of disease. Mapping the extent of orbital and intracranial disease has prognostic as well as management implications, as involvement of these sites marks a worse prognosis. A stepwise approach to evaluation of imaging of AIFR along with a pictorial depiction of the key imaging findings is presented.

Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis: Molecular identification and update in management of frozen section biopsy

The clinical diagnosis of Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) is technically difficult because it presents with non-exclusive and nonspecific clinical symptoms. Laboratory confirmation (usually via histopathologic techniques such as formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE)) is necessary but it is time-consuming, despite the urgent need for timely diagnosis of AIFRS for effective management. This study aimed to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of the GMS frozen-section biopsy in the diagnosis of AIFRS and compare the same with that of different tissue staining methods to provide valid decision-grounds that may guide clinicians in prompt diagnosis of acute fungal invasive rhinosinusitis. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Medical Mycology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences between 2018 and 2020 on 200 patients with suspected AIFRS referred to Baqiyatallah and Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran. All patients were subjected to diagnostic nasal endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) scan of paranasal sinuses. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done in cases of suspected intracranial extension. After screening by routine mycological examination, the diagnosis was confirmed using complementary molecular methods. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the frozen-section biopsy were also compared with FFPE. Of the 200 suspect patients, 47 cases (23.5%) met the criteria for AIFRS. Species of the genus Aspergillus were the predominant 27 (57.4%) followed by Mucorales species 10 (21.3%), and Fusarium spp 3 (6.4%). Also, 3 cases (6.4%) of co-infection due to Aspergillus/Rhizopus were reported. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of frozen section assessments were 99.5%, 97.9%, 100%, 100% and 99.3%, respectively. For GMS frozen-section alone, sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV was 100%. Overall, the calculated accuracy of FFPE was 98.5%, sensitivity was 94%, specificity was 100%, PPV was 100%, and NPV was 98.1%. Examination of the frozen-section biopsy is a highly predictive tool for a rapid and effective diagnosis of patients with suspected AIFRS. We observed that GMS frozen-section is a fast and reliable exam to confirm the diagnosis of fungal invasion, with good accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity compared to the gold-standard FFPE biopsy.