Objectives
Occurrence of invasive fungal respiratory superinfections in patients with COVID‐19 has gained increasing attention in the latest studies. Yet, description of acute invasive fungal sinusitis with its management in those patients is still scarce. This study aims to describe this recently increasing clinical entity in relation to COVID‐19 patients.
Study Design
Longitudinal prospective study.
Methods
Prospective longitudinal study included patients diagnosed with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis after a recent COVID‐19 infection. Antifungal agents given included amphotericin B, voriconazole, and/or posaconazole. Surgical treatment was restricted to patients with 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.
Results
A total of 36 patients with a mean age of 52.92 ± 11.30 years old were included. Most common associated disease was diabetes mellitus (27.8%). Mycological analysis revealed infection with Mucor and Aspergillus species in 77.8% and 30.6% of patients, respectively. Sino‐nasal, orbital, cerebral, and palatine involvement was found in 100%, 80.6%, 27.8%, and 33.3% of patients, respectively. The most common reported symptoms and signs are facial pain (75%), facial numbness (66.7%), ophthalmoplegia, and visual loss (63.9%). All patients were treated simultaneously by surgical debridement with antifungal medications except for two patients with PCR‐positive swab for COVID‐19. These two patients received antifungal therapy alone. Overall survival rate was 63.89% (23/36).
Conclusion
Clinical suspicion of acute invasive fungal sinusitis among COVID‐19 patients and early management with antifungal therapy and surgical debridement is essential for better outcomes and higher survival.
Level of Evidence
IV
Laryngoscope
, 2021
Careful review of the computed tomography scan and experience with endoscopic nasal surgery makes the transnasal endoscopic treatment a safe and effective approach for managing bilateral choanal atresia.
Despite an increasing incidence of gunshot wounds to the temporal bone, there is little in the literature regarding management of survivors of these serious injuries. Twelve patients were treated for such wounds between 1986 and 1994. The most frequent presentations were cranial nerve injury, especially facial paralysis (9 patients), hearing loss (7), vascular injury (4), and vestibular dysfunction (3). Persistent cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea was uncommon (1 patient) in this series. Computed tomography and audiovestibular testing were helpful in evaluating the severity of injury and guiding the surgical approach when necessary. Electroneurography was helpful in evaluating facial nerve function; however, documented disruption of the facial nerve canal in itself was considered an indication for surgical exploration. Other indications for surgical intervention included evidence of dural tear, vascular injury, and severe disruption of the external auditory canal.
L-PRF was found to be a good adjunct material in endoscopic spontaneous CSF leaks repair. It helps in decreasing the number of layers needed for defect closure.
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