Cerebritis, optic ischemia, and cavernous sinus thrombosis arising from sinonasal mucormycosis

Brain and ocular infections can be the worst and fatal consequences of sinonasal infections in immunomodulated or immunocompromised patients. We report a case of a 35-year-old female who received an allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia, suffering from maxillo-spheno-ethmoidal rhinosinusitis which was complicated by cavernous sinus thrombosis, orbital cellulitis, optic ischemia and cerebritis.

Transcutaneous Retrobulbar Amphotericin B Injection for Invasive Fungal Sinusitis with Orbital Involvement: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Orbital involvement of invasive fungal sinusitis (IFS) is an ominous prognostic marker that should prompt rapid intervention. Transcutaneous retrobulbar administration of amphotericin B (TRAMB) is an off-label adjunctive treatment that can increase drug penetrance into diseased orbital tissue. To date, there is a lack of consensus regarding the use of TRAMB for treatment of IFS with orbital involvement.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to synthesize the indications, efficacy, and potential complications of TRAMB.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were probed for systematic review. Article search was conducted through June 2023 using the keywords "invasive fungal sinusitis," "invasive fungal rhinosinusitis," "rhino-orbital mucormycosis," "rhinosinusitis," "orbital," "retrobulbar," and "amphotericin."

RESULTS

In suitable cases as determined by radiologic and clinical evaluation, TRAMB administration has the potential to improve orbital salvage rates and improve versus stabilize visual acuity. Treatment complications are more likely with deoxycholate than with liposomal amphotericin formulations. The existing literature describing use of TRAMB is limited due to its retrospective nature, but the increase in IFS cases since 2020 due to the COVID pandemic has broadened the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

TRAMB is an effective adjunctive treatment in IFS with mild-to-moderate orbital involvement when used in combination with standard of care debridement, systemic antifungal therapy, and immunosuppression reversal. Prospective longitudinal studies and multi-institutional randomized trials are necessary to determine the definitive utility of TRAMB.

Clearing the Air: Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis in Hematologic Cancer Patients

OBJECTIVES

Air quality has been shown to impact the rates of fungal infection of the airway, causing diseases such as acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS), particularly in immunocompromised patients. We theorize that patients with hematologic malignancies in units with aging air handling units (AHUs) have a higher attack rate of AIFRS.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review identified patients with hematologic malignancy and AIFRS in two distinct and equal time periods between 2013 and 2022, representing the presence of aging AHUs and new AHUs, respectively. Cubic feet per minute (CFM) air flows, AIFRS attack rates, and clinical data were compared between the two groups and statistical analyses performed.

RESULTS

The older AHUs produce air flow of 27,610 CFM and the newer AHUs produce air flow of 80,000 CFM. There were 18 patients with air supplied by older AHUs and 7 patients with air supplied by new AHUs who developed AIFRS. There was a significantly higher AIFRS attack rate for patients supplied by the older AHUs compared with patients supplied by newer AHUs (p = 0.033). The patients supplied by the older AHUs tended to be younger. The white blood cell counts, absolute neutrophil counts, and the mean time to diagnosis did not differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine AIFRS in immunocompromised patients' inpatient environment. Further research should explore whether higher CFM AHUs can decrease this disease among our most vulnerable patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Evolutionary trends in antifungal resistance: a meta-analysis

The present paper includes a meta-analysis of literature data on 318 species of fungi belonging to 34 orders in their response to 8 antifungal agents (amphotericin B, caspofungin, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, terbinafine, and voriconazole). Main trends of MIC results at the ordinal level were visualized. European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing and Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) clinical breakpoints were used as the staff gauge to evaluate MIC values ranging from resistance to susceptibility, which were subsequently compared with a phylogenetic tree of the fungal kingdom. Several orders (Hypocreales, Microascales, and Mucorales) invariably showed resistance. Also the basidiomycetous orders Agaricales, Polyporales, Sporidiales, Tremellales, and Trichosporonales showed relatively high degrees of azole multi-resistance, while elsewhere in the fungal kingdom, including orders with numerous pathogenic and opportunistic species, that is, Onygenales, Chaetothyiales, Sordariales, and Malasseziales, in general were susceptible to azoles. In most cases, resistance vs susceptibility was consistently associated with phylogenetic distance, members of the same order showing similar behavior.

IMPORTANCE

A kingdom-wide the largest set of published wild-type antifungal data comparison were analyzed. Trends in resistance in taxonomic groups (monophyletic clades) can be compared with the phylogeny of the fungal kingdom, eventual relationships between fungus-drug interaction and evolution can be described.

Lung and sinus fungal infection imaging in immunocompromised patients

BACKGROUND

Imaging is a key diagnostic modality for suspected invasive pulmonary or sinus fungal disease and may help to direct testing and treatment. Fungal diagnostic guidelines have been developed and emphasize the role of imaging in this setting. We review and summarize evidence regarding imaging for fungal pulmonary and sinus disease (in particular invasive aspergillosis, mucormycosis and pneumocystosis) in immunocompromised patients.

OBJECTIVES

We reviewed data on imaging modalities and findings used for diagnosis of invasive fungal pulmonary and sinus disease.

SOURCES

References for this review were identified by searches of PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase and Web of Science through 1 April 1 2023.

CONTENT

Computed tomography imaging is the method of choice for the evaluation of suspected lung or sinus fungal disease. Although no computed tomography radiologic pattern is pathognomonic of pulmonary invasive fungal disease (IFD) the halo sign firstly suggests an angio-invasive pulmonary aspergillosis while the Reversed Halo Sign is more suggestive of pulmonary mucormycosis in an appropriate clinical setting. The air crescent sign is uncommon, occurring in the later stages of invasive aspergillosis in neutropenic patients. In contrast, new cavitary lesions should suggest IFD in moderately immunocompromised patients. Regarding sinus site, bony erosion, peri-antral fat or septal ulceration are reasonably predictive of IFD.

IMPLICATIONS

Imaging assessment of the lung and sinuses is an important component of the diagnostic work-up and management of IFD in immunocompromised patients. However, radiological features signs have sensitivity and specificity that often vary according to underlying disease states. Periodic review of imaging studies and diagnostic guidelines characterizing imaging findings may help clinicians to consider fungal infections in clinical care thereby leading to an earlier confirmation and treatment of IFD.

Misdiagnosis of fungal infections of the orbit

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the accuracy of the initial diagnosis in the case of fungal infections of the orbit and identify factors that may influence patient outcomes.

METHODS

An institutional review board-approved retrospective chart review was conducted across 2 large academic centres to identify cases of fungal infections involving the orbit from January 1, 1998, to November 15, 2019. Data collected included patient demographics, past medical history, examination findings, diagnosis, treatment, imaging, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifty cases of fungal infection involving the orbit were identified. Of these, 33 (66.0%) were initially misdiagnosed as nonfungal diagnoses. Sixteen patients (32.0%) received multiple initial diagnoses. The most common diagnoses on presentation were bacterial cellulitis (n = 12 of 50; 24.0%) and bacterial sinusitis (n = 12 of 50; 24.0%). These were followed by vascular and orbital inflammatory conditions (n = 9 of 50; 18.0%): 5 patients (10.0%) were clinically diagnosed with giant cell arteritis, 3 (6.0%) with nonspecific orbital inflammation, and 1 (2.0%) with optic neuritis. In this subset of patients, 77.8% (n = 7 of 9) were treated initially with systemic steroids. Additional initial diagnoses included neoplastic mass lesions, mucocele, dacryocystitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, hemorrhage, tick-borne illness, allergic rhinitis, and allergic conjunctivitis. Misdiagnosis was significantly correlated with involvement of the masticator space on imaging (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Fungal infections of the orbit are misdiagnosed in 2 of 3 cases. Nearly 15% of patients who are later diagnosed with fungal disease of the orbit were initially treated with systemic steroids. Misdiagnosis is more frequent when the masticator space is involved.

Diagnosis, Prognosticators, and Management of Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis: Multidisciplinary Consensus Statement and Evidence-Based Review with Recommendations

BACKGROUND

Acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS) is an aggressive disease that requires prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment given its rapid progression. However, there is currently no consensus on diagnosis, prognosis, and management strategies for AIFS, with multiple modalities routinely employed. The purpose of this multi-institutional and multidisciplinary evidence-based review with recommendations (EBRR) is to thoroughly review the literature on AIFS, summarize the existing evidence, and provide recommendations on the management of AIFS.

METHODS

The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were systematically reviewed from inception through January 2022. Studies evaluating management for orbital, non-sinonasal head and neck, and intracranial manifestations of AIFS were included. An iterative review process was utilized in accordance with EBRR guidelines. Levels of evidence and recommendations on management principles for AIFS were generated.

RESULTS

A review and evaluation of published literature was performed on 12 topics surrounding AIFS (signs and symptoms, laboratory and microbiology diagnostics, endoscopy, imaging, pathology, surgery, medical therapy, management of extrasinus extension, reversing immunosuppression, and outcomes and survival). The aggregate quality of evidence was varied across reviewed domains.

CONCLUSION

Based on the currently available evidence, judicious utilization of a combination of history and physical examination, laboratory and histopathologic techniques, and endoscopy provide the cornerstone for accurate diagnosis of AIFS. In addition, AIFS is optimally managed by a multidisciplinary team via a combination of surgery (including resection whenever possible), antifungal therapy, and correcting sources of immunosuppression. Higher quality (i.e., prospective) studies are needed to better define the roles of each modality and determine diagnosis and treatment algorithms.

Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty and Stenting for Progressive Intracranial Carotid Artery Stenosis Secondary to Invasive Sphenoid Sinus Aspergillosis: A Case Report

We report a case of invasive sphenoid sinus aspergillosis with progressive internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and contralateral carotid occlusion that was successfully treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS). A 70-year-old man presented with right-sided visual disturbance, ptosis, and left hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head revealed a space-occupying lesion within the sphenoid sinus with infiltration of the bilateral cavernous sinuses, right ICA occlusion, and multiple watershed cerebral infarcts involving the right cerebral hemisphere. The patient was diagnosed with invasive sinus aspergillosis based on transnasal biopsy findings. Despite intensive antifungal therapy using voriconazole, rapidly progressive aspergillosis led to a new stenotic lesion in the left ICA, which increased the risk of bilateral cerebral hypoperfusion. We performed successful PTAS to prevent critical ischemic events. Finally, aspergillosis was controlled with voriconazole treatment, and the patient was discharged. He showed a favorable outcome, with a patent left ICA observed at a 3-year follow-up. PTAS may be feasible in patients with ICA stenosis and invasive sinus aspergillosis.

Neurosarcoidosis: Diagnostic Challenges and Mimics A Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Neurosarcoidosis is a rare manifestation of sarcoidosis that is challenging to diagnose. Biopsy confirmation of granulomas is not sufficient, as other granulomatous diseases can present similarly. This review is intended to guide the clinician in identifying key conditions to exclude prior to concluding a diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although new biomarkers are being studied, there are no reliable tests for neurosarcoidosis. Advances in serum testing and imaging have improved the diagnosis for key mimics of neurosarcoidosis in certain clinical scenarios, but biopsy remains an important method of differentiation. Key mimics of neurosarcoidosis in all cases include infections (tuberculosis, fungal), autoimmune disease (vasculitis, IgG4-related disease), and lymphoma. As neurosarcoidosis can affect any part of the nervous system, patients should have a unique differential diagnosis tailored to their clinical presentation. Although biopsy can assist with excluding mimics, diagnosis is ultimately clinical.

Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis: Clinical and Surgical Factors Affecting Its Prognosis and Disease-Specific Morality

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to discover factors that determine mortality in patients with invasive fungal rhinosinusitis.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 17 patients diagnosed with invasive fungal rhinosinusitis and who had undergone treatment in our department, including both surgical and medical management between January 2020 and October 2020. There were four male patients and 13 female patients whose mean age was 46 ± 15.67 years, ranging from 20 to 70 years. All the patients were immune-compromised because of diabetes mellitus. We studied the factors affecting the mortality of patients affected with this disease; it included the extent of disease (paranasal sinus, palatal, orbital, or intracranial involvement), serum glucose level (SGL), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.

RESULTS

Only one patient had paranasal sinus involvement alone, but the patient became disease-free after treatment. The disease-specific mortality rate was two (33.3%) of six patients with palatal involvement and four (50%) of eight patients with intracranial involvement where four patients did not have disease control at the time of discharge and did not follow up. The death rate in orbital involvement was 20% (three of 15 patients) and five patients with intra-orbital involvement left the hospital against medical advice. The analysis of data demonstrated that only intracranial (p = 0.01) involvement in addition to the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus involvement had a statistically significant effect on survival rate unlike intra-orbital (p = 0.510) and palatal involvement (p = 0.171).

CONCLUSION

Early endoscopic nasal inspection, diagnosis, and treatment are critical for disease-specific mortality in invasive fungal rhinosinusitis since orbital or cerebral involvement is linked to a poor prognosis. Patients who come with uncontrolled diabetes and ophthalmological and palatal involvement with positive findings on nasal examination should necessitate urgent histopathological and radiological workup.

Is low dose of liposomal amphotericin B effective in management of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis? Our conclusions from Al-Mowassat University Hospital, Syria: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) is a fatal infection associated with high morbidity and mortality. Although it is a rare disease, upsurge of AIFRS was noticed during the second wave of COVID-19 disease. Early diagnosis and management is the cornerstone for good outcomes. However, management of AIFRS is challengeable especially in developing countries due to limited resources and high prices of antifungal agents. No previous studies have been conducted to evaluate the outcomes of management of AIFRS in Syria. The purpose of this study is to report the results of management of AIFRS with low doses of liposomal amphotericin B in our tertiary hospital in Syria.

METHODS

The outcomes of management of AIFRS cases were followed through a prospective observational study between January 2021 and July 2022. The required medical data were collected for each individual. Three-month mortality rate was studied. SPSS v.26 was used to perform the statistical analysis. Pearson Chi-square test was used to study the associations between different variables and mortality. Survival curves were plotted by the Kaplan-Meier to compare the survival probability. Log Rank (Mantel-Cox) test and Cox regression were conducted to evaluate the factors affecting survival within the follow up period.

RESULTS

Of 70 cases, 36 (51.4%) were males and 34 (48.6%) were females. The mean age of patients was 52.5 years old. The most common underlying risk factor was diabetes mellitus (84.3%). The used dose of liposomal amphotericin B ranged between 2-3 mg/kg per day. The overall 3-month mortality rate was 35.7%. Significant association was found between survival and the following variables: Age, orbital involvement, stage, and comorbidity.

CONCLUSION

The overall mortality rate was close to other studies. However, survival rate was worse than comparable studies in selected cases of AIFRS (older ages, involved orbits, advanced stages, and chronic immunodeficiency). Therefore, low doses of liposomal amphotericin B could be less effective in such cases and high doses are recommended.

Endoscopic Endonasal Optic Nerve Decompression in a Patient With Invasive Fungal Sinusitis Invasion Into the Orbital Apex: Intraoperative Video and Literature Review

Invasive fungal sinusitis (IFS) is rare but potentially fatal in immunocompromised patients. Orbital extension of IFS can cause visual loss or ophthalmoplegia, and the rate of recovery of visual acuity can be low even after treatment with antifungal agents and sinus surgery. In this case, optic nerve decompression with the endoscopic endonasal approach was successful for the treatment of visual loss in a patient with IFS with orbital apex extension. The authors describe the recovery of visual acuity after optic nerve decompression in a patient with IFS who had exhibited visual loss caused by invasion into the orbital apex. The authors also provide an intraoperative video and literature review.

Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis

Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFR) is a rare disease, but the prognosis is by no means ideal. Pathologically, fungal infection is not only located in the sinus cavity, but also invades the sinus mucosa and bone wall, the surrounding structures and tissues such as the orbit and anterior skull base are often compromised and are accompanied with intracranial and extracranial complications. Despite decades of efforts, acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis remains a devastating disease, the mortality of the disease continues to hover around 50%. The main impediments to improving the prognosis of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis are the difficulties of early diagnosis and the rapid reversal of immune insufficiency. Moreover, aggressive surgery combined with systemic antifungal therapy are significant positive prognostic factors as well. Progress and standardization of AIFR treatment protocols have been limited by the scarcity of the disease and the absence of published randomized studies. Therewith, how to improve the therapeutic outcome and reduce the mortality rate has always been a challenging clinical discussion. We have summarized the relevant case series and literature from the recent years, management with optimal diagnostic and curative strategies are reviewed.

Post Covid-19 Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis (AIFR): A Study of Histopathological Findings After FESS in Radiologically Diagnosed AIFR

COVID-19 pandemic has led to a concerning surge of post-COVID-19 AIFR. Mucormycosis (BLACK fungus) is a rare but severe and life-threatening fungal infection occurred by mucormycetes, a family of moulds. More than 49,000 cases of AIFR were reported in three months in India. It primarily affects diabetics and spreads from the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (PNS). It also involves eye, palate, or brain. It is diagnosed clinically followed by radiological and pathological findings. We aimed to compare and analyse the pre-operative imaging with postoperative histopathological findings. The study was conducted in ENT department of tertiary care hospital, Rajkot. 200 patients were randomly selected who were presented to ENT OPD with clinically suspected Post COVID-19 AIFR. All patients underwent detailed ENT examination and radiological modality like MRI PNS, Brain, and Orbit. After proper pre-op evaluation, all patients underwent Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). MRI findings were confirmed with that of histopathological findings done on KOH mount. All the patients were showing AIFR on MRI findings whereas 49% of patients had mucormycosis on Histopathology. Various other fungal infections like aspergillosis (7%), candidiasis (1.5%) were also found on HPE. 9% of patients showed combined infection with mucor and aspergillus species. Rest of the patients showed non-fungal rhinosinusitis. Inflow of the epidemic, plenty of patients were shown invasive fungal sinusitis in MRI patterns whereas many of them were HPE negative. Thus this study was done to know the efficacy of radiological features with pathological diagnosis. We have considered both procedures standard in our study.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Prognostic Findings for Visual and Mortality Outcomes in Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis

PURPOSE

To identify initial, preintervention magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings that are predictive of visual and mortality outcomes in acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with histopathologically or microbiologically confirmed AIFRS cared for at a single, tertiary academic institution between January 2000 and February 2020.

METHODS

A retrospective review of MRI scans and clinical records of patients with confirmed diagnosis of AIFRS was performed. For each radiologic characteristic, a modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to estimate the risk ratio for blindness. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to study AIFRS-specific risk factors associated with mortality.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Identification of initial, preintervention MRI findings associated with visual and mortality outcomes.

RESULTS

The study comprised 78 patients (93 orbits, 63 with unilateral disease and 15 with bilateral disease) with AIFRS. The leading causes of immunosuppression were hematologic malignancy (38%) and diabetes mellitus (36%). Mucormycota constituted 56% of infections, and Ascomycota constituted 37%. The overall death rate resulting from infection was 38%. Risk factors for poor visual acuity outcomes on initial MRI included involvement of the orbital apex (relative risk [RR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-3.8; P = 0.026) and cerebral arteries (RR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.5; P < 0.001). Increased mortality was associated with involvement of the facial soft tissues (hazard ratio [HR], 4.9; 95% CI, 1.3-18.2; P = 0.017), nasolacrimal drainage apparatus (HR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.5-16.1; P = 0.008), and intracranial space (HR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.4-8.6; P = 0.006). Orbital soft tissue involvement was associated with decreased mortality (HR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.6; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Extrasinonasal involvement in AIFRS typically signals advanced infection with the facial soft tissues most commonly affected. The initial, preintervention MRI is prognostic for a poor visual acuity outcome when orbital apex or cerebral arterial involvement, or both, are present. Facial soft tissues, nasolacrimal drainage apparatus, intracranial involvement, or a combination thereof is associated with increased mortality risk, whereas orbital soft tissue involvement is correlated with a reduced risk of mortality.

A diagnostic algorithm for early diagnosis and management of acute invasive fungal sinusitis

PURPOSE

To define different risk groups of patients suspected of having acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS) and develop a goal-directed diagnostic approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients with suspected AIFS biopsied from 2010 to 2020 were included in this study. Patients diagnosed with chronic invasive fungal sinusitis or without biopsy results were excluded. A recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) model was performed to define patient cohorts with the highest risk of having a positive biopsy for AIFS.

RESULTS

There were a total of 26 patients with biopsy-proven AIFS. Patient characteristics significantly associated with an increased likelihood of a positive biopsy for AIFS on bivariate analysis included facial pain (p = 0.047), platelet count <50,000 cells/mm³ (p = 0.028), and abnormal CT findings, most commonly, bilateral sinus opacification (p = 0.003). The RPA model identified three risk factors for predicting a patient's probability of having a positive biopsy for AIFS, resulting in four-terminal nodes. In the twenty-six patients who had biopsy-proven AIFS, the post-operative 30-day all-cause mortality was 50 % (13/26) and overall mortality was 88.5 % (23/26). Predictors of 30-day all-cause mortality included prolonged interval between biopsy and operative start time (p = 0.042) and earlier initiation of antifungals prior to the operative start time (p = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that patients with a fever of unknown origin, low platelet count, and/or ANC are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with biopsy-proven AIFS. Using these risk factors, we propose a diagnostic approach that may expedite the treatment of patients with AIFS; however, future prospective studies are needed for validation.

Factors associated with invasive fungal sinusitis in patients with COVID ‐19: A systematic review and single‐center case series

Objective

Invasive fungal sinusitis (IFS) in patients with active or recent COVID‐19 have been reported throughout the world. The primary purpose of the systematic review is to describe factors associated with IFS in patients with COVID‐19. The goal of the case series was to also characterize these factors in addition to evaluating the incidence of IFS at our institution after the onset of the pandemic.

Methods

A systematic review using the preferred reporting in systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) framework identified publications of IFS cases associated with COVID‐19 (IFSAC). Search terms were “COVID‐19,” “invasive,” “fungal,” and “sinusitis.” IFS cases were evaluated for COVID‐19 status, fungal etiology, comorbidities, treatment, and outcome. A case series of patients at our center with IFS between December 1, 2018 to March 31, 2020 (“pre‐covid”) and April 1, 2020 to August 1, 2021 (“post‐covid”) was also performed with the above parameters.

Results

Fourteen studies totaling 206 cases of IFSAC were identified. Most cases came from India (140/206, 68.0%), followed by Egypt (62/206, 30.1%), and North America (4/206, 1.9%). Diabetes was the most common comorbidity (151/206, 73.3%). Recent or prolonged steroid use was noted in 65.0% of cases (134/206). In our series, five pre‐covid and four post‐covid cases were identified. One had recent COVID‐19 infection. Acute myeloid leukemia was the most common pre‐covid comorbidity (3/5, 60.0%). Diabetes was the most frequent post‐covid comorbidity (2/4, 50.0%). Chronic steroid usage was noted in two pre‐covid and one post‐covid cases.

Conclusion

Diabetes and steroid use are common factors in reported cases of IFSAC. IFS incidence in our case series did not change appreciably after the onset of the pandemic.

Level of Evidence: 4.

Clinical Characteristics of 100 Patients With COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis From a Tertiary Care Center in North India

Background

Fungal infection in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a new challenge in healthcare facilities. This study aimed to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM).

Methodology

This retrospective, single-center case series included patients who were hospitalized and diagnosed with COVID-19 and mucormycosis at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh (North India) from April 15, 2021, onwards and last followed up on June 30, 2021. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological, microbiological, pathological, and outcome data were then collected and analyzed.

Results

Of the 100 consecutive inpatients with CAM, 95 (95%) had diabetes mellitus. At the onset of illness, the most common manifestations were facial swelling (85%), eye swelling (83%), headache (68%), pain around the eyeball (67%), malaise (57%), and fever (50%). The most common organ involved on examination was the nose and paranasal sinus (96%), followed by the orbit (83%), palate (19%), and cranial nerves (7%). Pulmonary involvement was seldom observed (1%). Predominant pathological findings were the presence of aseptate hyphae (75%), necrosis (75%), angioinvasion (36%), and perineural invasion (2.6%). During the last follow-up, 13 patients died, with 11 (84.6%) having severe COVID-19 and two (15.3%) having moderate COVID-19.

Conclusions

Steroid use and diabetes mellitus are the significant risk factors of CAM. Patients with CAM usually present with face/eye swelling with radiological involvement of the nose and sinus and may die because of severe COVID-19.

Cerebral vasculitis due to Aspergillus spp. in immunocompromised patients: literature review

OBJECTIVES

Invasive aspergillosis is a threat for immunocompromised patients. We present a case series of aggressive cerebral vasculitis caused by Aspergillus spp. infection in immunocompromised patients.

METHODS

We present a retrospective case series of three autopsy-proven invasive cerebral aspergillosis with diffuse vasculitis affecting large caliber cerebral vessels.

RESULTS

Three patients were immunosuppressed: one on rituximab, one on corticosteroids, and one with a renal transplant. Two of these patients were diagnosed with cerebral aspergillosis on postmortem.

CONCLUSION

Aspergillus cerebral vasculitis is a rare form of invasive aspergillosis that should be considered in an immunocompromised individual with suggestive lesions on imaging. It should be suspected as a possible cause of aseptic neutrophil meningitis.

Management of Fungal Rhinosinusitis: Experience From a Tertiary Care Centre in North India

Introduction

Fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) has increased over the past few decades due to the rampant use of antibiotics, steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, increased incidence of HIV and uncontrolled diabetes. The current study reviews the types, clinical presentation, microbiology, histopathology and outcomes related to FRS in a tertiary care center in North India.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and follow-up records of patients diagnosed with FRS over three years. The data reviewed included clinical workup, ophthalmological profile, comorbidities, immunological status, radiological investigations, intraoperative and histopathological findings, treatment and follow-up records. In addition, we performed a descriptive analysis of the reviewed data.

Results

The study consisted of 30 FRS patients (16 male, 14 female). In that, 77% of cases were of allergic FRS, while fungal ball, chronic invasive, chronic granulomatous and acute invasive FRS represented 3%, 10%, 3% and 7% cases, respectively. The most common presentation in non-invasive forms was nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, hyposmia and polyposis, while it was facial pain and headache in the invasive varieties. After appropriate medical and surgical management through endoscopic sinus surgery, the recurrence rate in non-invasive and invasive fungal sinusitis was 16.6% and 20.8%, respectively. There was nil mortality at a minimum of one year of follow-up.

Conclusion

The non-invasive forms of FRS are common and have a relatively mild course. Early medical and surgical intervention and management of the underlying comorbidities are the key factors in managing invasive FRS. Close follow-up after surgery is also necessary for the timely detection and management of recurrences.

COVID-19-associated acute invasive fungal sinusitis: Clinical and imaging findings

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The purpose is to provide a comprehensive report describing the clinical and imaging features of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS) and associated comorbidities.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 25 patients (12 males and 13 females, mean age of 53.9±9.1 years). All patients had positive polymerase chain reaction test for COVID-19 and histopathological proof of AIFS. Patients underwent computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance examinations to assess sinonasal, orbital, and cranial spread.

RESULTS

The most prevalent comorbidity among the study cohort was diabetes mellitus (DM). Twenty-one patients (84%) were diagnosed in the post-COVID-19 period after hospital discharge, with a mean interval of 19.1±9.2 days. Steroid treatment was given to 19 patients (76%). Orbital manifestations were the presenting symptoms in all patients, followed by facial edema, nasal discharge, and neurological symptoms. Sinonasal involvement ranged from mucosal thickening to complete sinus opacification by a predominant isodensity on CT, low T1, and high T2 signal intensity with variable enhancement patterns. Twenty-four patients had a unilateral orbital extension, and 12 patients showed signs of intracranial extension. Bone involvement was detected in 16 patients (64%). Follow-up scans in 18 patients (72%) showed rapid progression of the disease. Eight patients (32%) died, six from neurological complications and two from severe respiratory failure.

CONCLUSION

Steroids, DM, and severe COVID-19 are the major risk factors of AIFS in the post-COVID-19 era. Imaging scans in all patients revealed different sinonasal, facial, orbital features, and intracranial involvement with rapid progression of the findings on follow-up scans.

Association of Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index With Orbital Fungal Disease Outcomes

PURPOSE

To determine whether the age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (age-CCI) in sino-orbital fungal disease patients correlates with disease-specific mortality.

METHODS

Hospital billing systems at 2 academic institutions were queried for patients with ICD-9, ICD-10, and CPT codes used in fungal disease who also had orbital disease and significant visual loss. Thirty-two patients at Institution A and 18 patients at Institution B met the inclusion criteria of microbiologic or pathologic confirmation of fungal infection and completion of inpatient ophthalmology evaluation. Patients without radiographic abnormality in the sinus or orbit were excluded. Demographic, diagnostic, treatment, and outcome variables were recorded. Our primary outcome was death due to fungal disease.

RESULTS

Of the 50 medical records examined, 44 patients met the criteria for fungal-related death outcome on multivariate analysis. The regression coefficient for age-CCI and fungal-related mortality was 0.242 (95% CI, 0.012-0.779) with a p value of 0.038.

CONCLUSIONS

Age-CCI is significantly associated with fungal-related mortality. This relationship remains significant when controlling for 5 covariates of fungal organism phylum, presence or absence of CNS disease, exenteration, local treatment use, and presence or absence of an immunosuppressive diagnosis. Age-CCI shows promise as a clinical and research tool in the evaluation of invasive fungal disease involving the orbit.

Intermediate Invasive Fungal Sinusitis, a Distinct Entity From Acute Fulminant and Chronic Invasive Fungal Sinusitis

BACKGROUND

The current classification system of invasive fungal sinusitis (IFS) includes acute (aIFS) and chronic (cIFS) phenotypes. Both phenotypes display histopathologic evidence of tissue necrosis, but differ by presence of angioinvasion, extent of necrosis, and disease progression. aIFS is defined by a rapid onset of symptoms, while cIFS slowly progresses over ≥12 weeks. However, a subset of IFS patients do not fit into the clinical presentation and histopathologic characteristics of either aIFS or cIFS.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the demographic, clinical, and histopathologic characteristics of a distinct subset of IFS.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients with IFS from a single tertiary-care institution (2010-2020). Patients with symptoms for ≤4 weeks were classified as aIFS if they displayed endoscopic evidence of mucosal necrosis or fungal angioinvasion on pathology. Patients with slowly progressive IFS for ≥12 weeks were classified as cIFS. Patients with symptom duration between 4 and 12 weeks with evidence of invasive fungal disease were classified as a new entity and were further investigated.

RESULTS

Of the 8 patients identified, 50% were immunosuppressed at presentation. The mean symptom duration prior to presentation was 50.5 days (SD 16.8), and common symptoms included facial pain (100%), vision change (87.5%), and blindness (37.5%). Two patients (25%) died of their disease. Sites of fungal involvement confirmed by histopathology included sphenoid (62.5%) and ethmoid sinuses (12.5%), orbital apex (25%), optic nerve (12.5%), pterygopalatine fossa (12.5%), and clivus (12.5%). Fungal elements but without obvious angioinvasion, were identified in all specimens, and fungus balls (50%), granulomas (37.5%), and giant cells (25%) were also observed on histopathology. CT and MRI radiographic imaging showed findings consistent with orbital, intracranial, or skull base involvement in all patients.

CONCLUSION

We propose intermediate IFS as a new subgroup of patients with IFS who do not fit into the standard classification of aIFS or cIFS.

Accuracy of Intraoperative Frozen Section in Detection of Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis

CONTEXT.—

Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) is an aggressive form of fungal sinusitis, which remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and intervention are keys to improving patient outcomes. Intraoperative consultation has shown promise in facilitating early surgical intervention, but the accuracy of frozen section has not been clarified in this setting.

OBJECTIVES.—

To assess the accuracy of frozen-section diagnosis in patients with clinically suspected AIFRS.

DESIGN.—

All cases of clinically suspected AIFRS during a 10-year period (2009-2019) were retrospectively reviewed. The frozen-section results were compared with the final permanent sections as well as the tissue fungal culture results, following which the accuracy of frozen section was determined.

RESULTS.—

Forty-eight patients with 133 frozen-section evaluations for AIFRS were included in the study. Thirty of 48 patients and 61 of 133 specimens were positive for AIFRS on final pathology. Of 30 positive patients, 27 (90%) had at least 1 specimen diagnosed as positive during intraoperative consultation; among the 61 positive specimens, 54 (88.5%) were diagnosed as positive during intraoperative consultation. Of 72 negative specimens, all were interpreted as negative on frozen section. Thus, frozen sections had a sensitivity of 88.5% (95% CI, 0.78-0.97), specificity of 100% (95% CI, 0.94-1), positive predictive value of 100% (95% CI, 0.92-1), and negative predictive value of 90.6% (95% CI, 0.82-0.97).

CONCLUSIONS.—

This study represents the largest series assessing the diagnostic accuracy of frozen section analysis in AIFRS. These findings are useful in frozen section-informed intraoperative decision making.

Imaging findings using a combined MRI/CT protocol to identify the "entire iceberg" in post-COVID-19 mucormycosis presenting clinically as only "the tip"

AIM

To analyse combined computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of invasive rhino-orbital mucormycosis (IROM) in post-COVID-19 infection patients for accurate diagnosis and delineation of the extent of involvement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of 50 patients who developed IROM post-COVID-19 infection who underwent combined CT/MRI evaluation.

RESULTS

The age range of the 50 affected patients was 23-73 years. Out of these, 41 were diabetic. CT/MRI showed predominant involvement of the maxillary (n=26) and ethmoid (n=19) sinuses. Extension of disease to the orbit (n=35), cavernous sinus (n=18), hard palate (n=15), skull base (n=8), and intracranial involvement (n=3) was seen. Perineural spread of the disease was analysed along all divisions of the trigeminal nerve and its branches. MRI showed T2-hypointense soft-tissue thickening with heterogeneous contrast enhancement with corresponding hyperdensities on CT diagnosing the presence of fungal elements.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of IROM post-COVID-19 infection. Conjunctive use of CT, which depicts bone destruction and other reactive bony changes along with MRI, which reveals characteristic findings of soft-tissue thickening of the involved sinuses with extension of disease to the orbits, cavernous sinus, dura, hard palate, skull base, and intracranial structures. Accurate diagnosis and early recognition of the disease and its extension with appropriate use of these techniques helps to initiate appropriate and timely treatment, which is vital to prevent a fatal outcome.

Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis with and without Orbital Complications: Clinical and Laboratory Differences

Background: Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IFS) is a rare but often fatal disease. There are limited studies regarding IFS with orbital complications (IFSwOC). The present study aimed to identify the clinical signs associated with IFSwOC and prognosticators of the disease. Methods: A retrospective case series was conducted of patients histopathologically confirmed IFS or fungal rhinosinusitis with clinically apparent neuro-orbital complications who underwent surgery between 2008 and 2018. Demographic data, presenting symptoms and signs, culture data, laboratory results, and patient outcomes were obtained from medical records. Results: A total of 38 patients were identified, including 9 patients with IFSwOC, and 29 patients with IFS without orbital complications (IFSsOC). The clinical signs associated with developing orbital complications include headache, fever, sphenoid sinus, or posterior ethmoid sinus involvement, CRP level ≥ 1.025 mg/dL, or ESR level ≥ 46.5 mm/h. In IFSwOC group, male, posterior ethmoid sinus involvement, WBC count ≥ 9000 μL, CRP level ≥ 6.91 mg/dL, or ESR level ≥ 69 mm/h were correlated with a significantly poorer prognosis. Conclusion: IFS patients with sphenoid or posterior ethmoid sinus involvement, headache or fever as presenting symptoms, elevated CRP, and ESR level were at risk of developing orbital complications. Timely surgical debridement followed by systemic antifungal treatment may improve treatment outcomes.

Molecular identification and clinical features of fungal rhinosinusitis: A 3-year experience with 108 patients

This study aimed to determine the prevalence, the causative agents, clinical features, and the risk factors associated with the fungal rhinosinusitis in a tertiary health center with a view to providing valid grounds that may guide healthcare professionals to effectively prevent, control, and treat fungal infections. All patients were subjected to diagnostic nasal endoscopy and CT scan of paranasal sinuses and FRS were confirmed by routine and complementary mycological and molecular methods. The inclusion criteria for invasive FRS were: confirmed diagnosis of IFRS according to the guidelines of the EORTC/MSG criteria (i.e., clinical, microbiological, and histological evidence of invasive fungal infection). From a total of 512 suspected patients, FRS was confirmed in 108 cases (21.1%). Our results showed FB (38/108; 35.2%) is the most common form of FRS followed by AIFRS (33/108; 30.6%), AFS (32/108; 29.6%), and CIFRS (5/108; 4.6%). A. flavus and Rhizopus oryzae were the most common causes of infection in AFS, FB, CIFRS, and AIFRS, respectively. Univariate analysis of variables predictive of AIFRS revealed 3 variables significantly associated with AIFRS. These included mucosal abnormalities of the middle turbinate and septum, and specifically, necrosis of the middle turbinate (P < .0001). Microbiological cultures, although useful for mycological speciation, are less sensitive. Furthermore, we used molecular methods to confirm the identity of some isolates that were not detectable using routine methods. Our data showed that the molecular methods and histologic diagnosis in all patients were more sensitive than the unenhanced sinus CT scan, and conventional microbiological methods.

Clinical and surgical factors affecting the prognosis and survival rates in patients with mucormycosis

PURPOSE

To investigate the factors affecting disease specific mortality (DSM) in patients with mucormycosis.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 24 patients diagnosed with mucormycosis and who had undergone surgical and medical treatment between 2010 and 2020. There were 14 male and 10 female patients whose mean age was 53.70 ± 16.87 years, range 18-83. We reviewed the factors affecting DSM, including the extent of disease (paranasal sinus, palatal, orbital or intracranial involvement) and blood parameters (BP) that are serum glucose level (SGL), white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte counts, C-reactive protein and hemoglobulin levels. Also, the effect of SGL in diabetes mellitus and BP in hematological malignancies on DSM was additionally evaluated.

RESULTS

Orbital (p = 0.001) and intracranial (p < 0.01) involvement had statistically significant effect on DSM but not the palatal involvement. When Cox regression analysis was employed to analyze the effect of multiple independent factors on DSM, only the extent of disease (p = 0.023) had statistically significant effect. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of SGL for diabetic patients demonstrated that the area under the curve was 0.917 (p = 0.016). A cut-off SGL of 360 mg/dl revealed an 83.3% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity for mortality outcome for diabetic patients having mucormycosis.

CONCLUSION

Orbital or cerebral involvement is related to a poor prognosis, so early endoscopic nasal examination, diagnosis and treatment are of vital importance for DSM in mucormycosis. Serum glucose level over 360 mg/dl in uncontrolled diabetic patients with fever, ophthalmological findings and facial hypoesthesia should necessitate a consultation to an otolaryngologist and an endoscopic careful nasal examination.

Invasive Fungal Sinusitis in Post COVID-19 Patients: A New Clinical Entity

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

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2652–2658, 2021

Chronic Invasive Fungal Sinusitis With Negative Histopathology: A Diagnostic Challenge

Although the diagnosis of chronic invasive fungal sinusitis relies chiefly on identification of invasive fungi on histology, the insidious nature of the disease can preclude detection of fungal organisms. Here, we present a case of chronic invasive fungal sinusitis with negative histopathologic findings and a definitive diagnosis made through fungal DNA detection. Clinicians should consider polymerase chain reaction an important complement to histology and culture in the diagnosis of chronic invasive fungal sinusitis.

International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: rhinosinusitis 2021

I.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

BACKGROUND: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR-RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR-RS-2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence-based findings of the document.

METHODS

ICAR-RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence-based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence-based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary.

RESULTS

ICAR-RS-2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence-based management algorithm is provided.

CONCLUSION

This ICAR-RS-2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence-based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS.

Perioperative Indicators of Prognosis in Acute Invasive Fungal Sinusitis

Objective

The purpose of this study is to identify perioperative independent prognostic factors that are available to the consulting team to aid in determining prognosis in patients with acute invasive fungal sinusitis.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review of patients with biopsy-proven acute invasive fungal sinusitis from 2015 to 2018.

Setting

Academic tertiary care center.

Methods

Twenty-one patients were included from our single-center retrospective review. Kaplan-Meier graphs were created, and the Breslow test used to compare the curves to obtain P values. A univariate Cox regression analysis was performed on the data that were significant at 3 months from diagnosis.

Results

Twenty-one patients were included, and 17 (76%) had an underlying hematologic malignancy. Overall survival was 71% and 52% at 1 and 3 months, respectively, and 94% of patients with hematologic malignancy had an absolute neutrophil count ≤1 at diagnosis. Absolute neutrophil count values and fungal species were not associated with a difference in prognosis. Factors associated with decreased survival included current smoking and the absence of a rhinologist on the treatment team at the initial or subsequent debridement (hazard ratio, 3.03). Laboratory values such as beta-D-glucan and galactomannan were assessed in addition to disease extension at diagnosis.

Conclusion

This study presents a retrospective review of a single institution’s experience with acute invasive fungal sinusitis. Subspecialty level of care likely improves overall survival in these patients, whereas current smoking may imply a worse prognosis.

Acute Invasive Fungal Sinusitis: A 30-Year Review of Pathology Practice and Possible Utility of the DiffQuik® Stain

Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) is a fulminant disease with a high mortality rate. Here, we review the clinical and pathologic features of AIFRS over a 30-year period at a tertiary-care academic center focusing on diagnostic practice, especially the use of intra-operative consultation (IOC). A 1-year trial of intraoperative staining with DiffQuik® (DQ) was also assessed. There were 202 cases from 104 patients with AIFRS. The incidence of AIFRS increased over time (6.8 per year in the past decade versus 1.9 before 2009) as did the number of IOCs per case (2.4 per case in the past decade versus 0.6 before 2009). Disagreement between final diagnosis and IOC was seen in 8.3 % of patients, and the block-by-block error rate was 14.9 %. Fusarium was the most common fungus identified. An attempt to categorize the fungal organism based on histopathology was performed in 85.6 % of patients, with 91 % agreement with microbial cultures or PCR. Fungal hyphae were subjectively easier to identify on DQ stained cryostat sections compared to on routine hematoxylin and eosin stained sections and hyphae were identified in all 5 blocks in which organisms were present. The increasing incidence of AIFRS and expanding use of IOC indicate a need to improve and standardize the diagnostic protocol. The use of DQ as visual aid in IOC for AIFRS may be useful.

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus oryzae in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia: A case report

BACKGROUND

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis (RCM) is a rare fatal fungal infection which is on the increase among immunocompromised hosts such as patients who have had hematological cancers, or have received immunosuppressive drugs, corticosteroids, or other T cell suppressing agents.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a case of RCM caused by Rhizopus oryzae, one of the most common opportunistic pathogens, in a patient suffering from a fourth relapse of acute myeloid leukemia. The patient developed RCM after he had received long-term antibiotic agents and corticosteroids. The pathogen was isolated three times from nasal secretions collected from the deep parts of the nasal cavity and was identified by morphology and internal transcribed spacer sequencing. Blood infection was excluded by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction and blood culture. The patient was empirically treated with caspofungin and voriconazole for several days while the lesions continued to progress. The patient was given amphotericin B in combination with caspofungin after RCM was suspected, and the lesions improved over the course of treatment, which lasted several days. However, the patient eventually died of the primary disease.

CONCLUSION

This case indicates that immunosuppressive drugs, including corticosteroids and antimetabolites in hematological tumor, do increase the risk of infections of this type. Early diagnosis, prompt and frequent surgical debridement, and treatment with amphotericin B without delay are all essential in combatting RCM.

A model for classification of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis by computed tomography

Our purpose was to classify acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFR) caused by Mucor versus Aspergillus species by evaluating computed tomography radiological findings. Two blinded readers retrospectively graded radiological abnormalities of the craniofacial region observed on craniofacial CT examinations obtained during initial evaluation of 38 patients with eventually pathology-proven AIFR (13:25, Mucor:Aspergillus). Binomial logistic regression was used to analyze correlation between variables and type of fungi. Score-based models were implemented for analyzing differences in laterality of findings, including the 'unilateral presence' and 'bilateral mean' models. Binary logistic regression was used, with Score as the only predictor and Group (Mucor vs Aspergillus) as the only outcome. Specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were determined for the evaluated models. Given the low predictive value of any single evaluated anatomical site, a 'bilateral mean' score-based model including the nasal cavity, maxillary sinuses, ethmoid air cells, sphenoid sinus and frontal sinuses yielded the highest prediction accuracy, with Mucor induced AIFR correlating with higher prevalence of bilateral findings. The odds ratio for the model while integrating the above anatomical sites was 12.3 (p < 0.001). PPV, NPV, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 0.85, 0.82, 0.92, 0.69 and 0.84 respectively. The abnormal radiological findings on craniofacial CT scans of Mucor and Aspergillus induced AIFR could be differentiated based on laterality, with Mucor induced AIFR associated with higher prevalence of bilateral findings.

An internally validated diagnostic tool for acute invasive fungal sinusitis

BACKGROUND

Acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS) is a potentially life-threatening diagnosis in immunocompromised patients. Identifying patients who could benefit from evaluation and intervention can be challenging for referring providers and otolaryngologists alike. We aimed to develop and validate an accessible diagnostic tool to estimate the probability of AIFS.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review from 1999 to 2017 identified all patients evaluated for possible AIFS at a tertiary care center. AIFS was diagnosed by pathologic confirmation of fungal tissue angioinvasion. Stepwise selection and univariate logistic regression were used to screen risk factors for a multivariable predictive model. Model performance was assessed using Tukey's goodness-of-fit test and the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC). Model coefficients were internally validated using bootstrapping with 1000 iterations.

RESULTS

A total of 283 patients (244 negative controls, 39 with AIFS) were included. Risk factors in our final diagnostic model included: fever ≥38°C (log-odds ratio [LOR] 1.72; 95% CI, 0.53 to 2.90), unilateral facial swelling, pain, or erythema (LOR 2.84; 95% CI, 1.46 to 4.23), involvement of the orbit or pterygopalatine fossa on imaging (LOR 3.02; 95% CI, 1.78 to 4.26), and mucosal necrosis seen on endoscopy (LOR 5.52; 95% CI, 3.81 to 7.24), with p < 0.01 for all factors. The model had adequate goodness of fit (p > 0.05) and discrimination (AUC = 0.96).

CONCLUSION

We present an internally validated diagnostic tool to stratify the risk for AIFS. The estimated risk may help determine which patients can be observed with serial nasal endoscopy, which ones could be biopsied, and which ones would benefit from immediate surgical intervention.

A multi-institutional review of outcomes in biopsy-proven chronic invasive fungal sinusitis

BACKGROUND

Chronic invasive fungal sinusitis (CIFS) is a rare, life-threatening infection of the nose and sinuses. This study aims to identify factors that impact survival in 1 of the largest cohorts to date.

METHODS

Pathology records were reviewed for biopsy-proven CIFS from 3 tertiary academic institutions from 1995 to 2016. Variables were analyzed using log-rank survival analysis. Univariate Cox regression was performed at 1 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients were included. Hematologic malignancy and diabetes were the most common underlying diseases (32% each). Aspergillus was the most common fungus (63%). Greater than 75% of the patients had an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) >1000 at the time of diagnosis. Overall survival at 1, 6, and 12 months was 89%, 68%, and 48%, respectively. In univariate analysis, factors associated with worse survival included: ANC <500 at 12 months (hazard ratio [HR] 4.8; p = 0.01), ANC <1000 at 12 months (HR 5.8; p = 0.001), and recent chemotherapy (HR 4; p = 0.01). The following factor was associated with improved survival in univariate analysis: ANC as a linear variable in the entire cohort (HR 0.7; p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

We present a multi-institutional case-series of CIFS and long-term follow-up. ANC <1000 at time of diagnosis and recent chemotherapy (within 1 month of diagnosis) are associated with poorer survival, whereas a rising ANC >1000 is associated with improved survival at 12 months. Further prospective studies are needed to further define factors that affect outcomes.

Microinvasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis: Proposal of a New Subtype in the Classification

BACKGROUND

Fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) with mucosal invasion is not classified by the current criteria, and clinical reports on the topic are limited. The aim of this study was to present our 25-year experience on fungal balls with mucosal invasion that do not appear in the FRS classification.

METHODS

Of 1318 patients who underwent endoscopic surgery with paranasal FRS between November 1994 and July 2019, 372 underwent mucosal biopsies. Medical chart and pathology review were performed on 13 patients diagnosed as having fungal balls with mucosal invasion without accompanying tissue invasion.

RESULTS

Histopathologic findings identified all fungi as belonging to the Aspergillus species. In 13 patients, 7 fungal balls were located in the maxillary sinus, 3 in the sphenoid sinus, and 3 in both the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses. The median age at diagnosis was 67 years (interquartile range (IQR): 62-72), and the sex ratio was 1:2 (4 men and 9 women). Five patients had comorbidities-three with diabetes mellitus and two with hematologic malignancy-all of whom received postoperative antifungal therapy. The median duration of antifungal treatment was 13 weeks (IQR: 8-17). No recurrences occurred during the median follow-up period of 30 months (IQR: 22-43).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who have been clinically diagnosed with a fungal ball and showed mucosal invasion but no vascular invasion, based on pathologic findings after surgery, may need a new FRS classification category, such as microinvasive FRS, and adjuvant antifungal treatment may be needed for immunocompromised patients with microinvasive FRS.

KEY POINTS

Fungal rhinosinusitis with mucosal invasion is different from fungal ball and invasive fungal rhinosinusitis and may be classified in a separate category as microinvasive FRS.

Chronic Granulomatous Invasive Fungal Sinusitis: A Case Series and Literature Review

Chronic granulomatous invasive fungal sinusitis (CGIFS) is a peculiar disease of the paranasal sinuses due to its rarity, patient subset, and disease course. We describe 7 cases of histopathologically confirmed CGIFS with different treatment plans and varying outcomes. Of particular note was that one of these patients developed allergic fungal rhinosinusitis after complete resolution of his primary invasive disease, a finding that has never been reported in the literature. Another patient had an atypical fungal species (Aspergillus nidulans) on fungal stain and culture, while one immunodeficient patient had a large intracerebral disease component and died after 2 months of treatment. We also present a review of the pertinent literature investigating this rare disease.

Benefit of Endoscopic Surgery in the Management of Acute Invasive Skull Base Fungal Rhinosinusitis

Objective  This article aims to characterize 14 patients who underwent purely endoscopic surgical debridement of acute invasive skull base fungal rhinosinusitis, and to evaluate postoperative outcomes and risk for recurrence. Design  Retrospective cohort study. Setting  Tertiary single-institution neurosurgery department. Participants  We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with skull base fungal infections treated with a purely endoscopic surgical approach at Mount Sinai Hospital from 1998 to 2018. Main Outcome Measures  Clinical presentation, number of recurrences, and mortality rate. Results  The most common underlying medical comorbidities were hematologic malignancy in 8 (57.1%) patients and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus in 7 (50%) patients. Presenting symptoms included headache (50%), eye pain (35.7%), facial pain (28.6%), visual changes (21.4%), and nasal congestion (14.3%). The fungal organisms identified on culture were Aspergillus (42.9%), Mucorales (28.6%), Fusarium (14.3%), Penicillium (7.1%), and unspecified (7.1%). Eight (57.1%) patients developed recurrence and required multiple surgical debridements. Patients who had only a hematologic malignancy were more likely to require multiple surgical debridements compared with those who did not have a hematologic malignancy or those who had both hematologic malignancy and underlying diabetes mellitus ( p  = 0.03). The mortality rate from surgery was 42.9%. Conclusion  Surgical endoscopic intervention is an option for definitive management of acute invasive skull base fungal rhinosinusitis; however, postoperative mortality and risk of recurrence requiring additional surgical interventions remains high. Patients with hematologic malignancy may be more susceptible to recurrent infection requiring multiple surgical debridements. We recommend early aggressive multimodal treatment. Multiple debridements may be warranted in most cases; close clinical surveillance is needed during neurosurgical intervention.

Factors associated with all-cause mortality in pediatric invasive fungal rhinosinusitis

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (PIFR) is a potentially lethal infection seen in immunocompromised pediatric patients. Even with timely treatments, mortality ranges between 18 and 80% of the cases.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the factors associated with all-cause mortality in pediatric patients with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis.

SETTING

Tertiary pediatric referral center.

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients were included, 12 male and 6 female. The average age at diagnosis was 8.7 years (range 4 months-17 years), with 56% overall mortality and 44% survival after 60 months. The most common cause of immunosuppression was acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The only factor found affecting mortality was a time between diagnosis and surgery greater than 7 days.

CONCLUSION

PIFR is an aggressive entity with high mortality. An appropriate diagnosis with an opportune surgical debridement followed by systemic antifungal therapy is essential to improve survival. Delay in surgical treatment is associated with higher mortality.

Clinical and Radiographic Characteristics of Sinonasal Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder and Invasive Fungal Sinusitis

BACKGROUND

Sinonasal posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a serious but uncommon complication of solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation that can overlap in many features with invasive fungal sinusitis (IFS).

OBJECTIVE

To identify clinical, laboratory, and radiographic features that may help to differentiate sinonasal IFS and PTLD in the posttransplant population.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with posttransplant sinonasal PTLD and IFS to evaluate for clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 4 patients with sinonasal PTLD and 10 posttransplant IFS patients were evaluated. A total of 2 of 4 PTLD patients presented with a symptom duration of greater than 3 months compared to none in the IFS group (p = 0.07). Mean absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was 2,976 per mm3 (range 2,488-3,462) in the PTLD group compared to 773 per mm3 (range 0.0-2,744) in the IFS group (p = 0.01). Both PTLD lesions with available diffusion-weighted imaging demonstrated diffusion restriction on magnetic resonance im-aging (MRI) compared to zero of the IFS lesions (p = 0.10). No PTLD lesions demonstrated mucosal infarcts compared to three of seven IFS lesions (p = 0.23).

CONCLUSION

IFS was associated with a significantly lower ANC at the time of diagnosis compared to PTLD. Additionally, three other measures trend towards association with their respective pathology. PTLD typically has a more chronic time course than IFS, diffusion restriction on MRI is predominantly associated with PTLD patients, and mucosal infarct on MRI is more suggestive of IFS. Additionally, all cases of sinonasal PTLD arose following solid organ transplantation. These factors may assist clinicians during diagnosis.

Diabetes in the practice of otolaryngology

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disease, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. The hyperglycemic milieu leads to endothelial injury in blood vessels of variant size, which results in microangiopathy and macroangiopathy (atherosclerosis). Consequential ischemia of nerves and hyperglycemia by itself lead to nerve degeneration and generalized neuropathy, affecting most often the sensory peripheral nerves and the autonomic nervous system. Auditory, vestibular and olfactory sensorium may be compromised by DM. People with DM have an increased susceptibility to infection, as a result of neutrophil dysfunction and impaired humoral immunity. Therefore DM predisposes to certain infectious diseases, such as fungal sinusitis or malignant otitis externa, which are rare in general population. Recovery from infections or from injuries may be compromised by coexisting DM. In this review we discuss complications of DM in the head and neck region. Otolaryngologists and general practitioners should be alert to specific conditions related to DM and be minded of the relevant complications and consequences.

Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis: our 2 year experience and outcome analysis

PURPOSE

The incidence of Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) is on the rise considering the multitude of comorbidities present in a single patient.The delay in suspecting the fungal etiology, presentation of the patient for an Otorhinolaryngology consult and lack of defined protocols affects outcome.This study looks in to the various aspects of treatment of AIFRS including sample collection, diagnosis and medicosurgical treatment. We propose a protocol for the management of these patients crafted from our outcome.

METHODS

Between September 2015-September 2017, 14 patients presented with AIFRS. Targeted samples were taken for Potassium hydroxide mount, histopathological studies and fungal culture. Management was initiated with antifungals and multi-approach surgical debridement.

RESULTS

Six of these patients had multiple comorbidities and most were uncontrolled diabetics. The average delay in presentation was 9 days. Potassium hydroxide mount was the screening test of choice. A minimum of two sittings of debridement was essential. In an average follow-up period of 15.12 months, all the patients are alive and disease free.

CONCLUSION

A high index of suspicion, awareness among medical fraternity and precise sample collection aids a firm diagnosis. Simultaneous initiation of surgical debridement and anti-fungals is fundamental.

Inpatient Mortality After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis

OBJECTIVES:

Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis is a rare, life-threatening condition that affects the paranasal sinuses. The standard of care after diagnosis includes surgical debridement and aggressive medical management. Despite treatment, mortality remains unacceptably high. Most data are derived from small cohort experiences, with limited identification of mortality risk factors in the acute setting. The authors used a large national database to better understand clinical factors associated with inpatient mortality for this challenging condition.

METHODS:

Using the 2000-2014 National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample database, the authors identified 979 adult patients with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis code of mucormycosis or aspergillosis and a procedure code of sinus surgery. Multivariate imputation by chained equation was performed to account for missing data, followed by multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of inpatient mortality.

RESULTS:

In total, 979 adult patients were identified, with a median age of 57 years. The inpatient mortality rate was 15.8%. The most prevalent comorbidity was hematologic disorders (42.9%). Mucormycosis versus aspergillosis was associated with increased odds of inpatient mortality (odds ratio, 2.95; 95% confidence interval, 2.00-4.34; P < .001). The odds of inpatient mortality were significantly increased between patients with hematologic disorders and those without (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-3.39; P = .024). Diabetes (odds ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.34 - 0.80; P = .003) was associated with the lowest odds of inpatient mortality.

CONCLUSIONS:

This represents the first population-based study evaluating the factors associated with inpatient mortality. These findings support prior observations demonstrating that the underlying immune dysfunction and type of fungal infection are important predictors of early mortality.

Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis: Frozen Section Histomorphology and Diagnosis with PAS Stain

Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) is a fulminant infection in immunocompromised patients requiring rapid diagnosis (DX), frequently made on frozen section (FS) of sinonasal biopsies, followed by prompt surgical debridement. However, FS interpretation is often difficult and DX sometimes not possible. In this study we sought to characterize reasons for misinterpretation and methods to improve diagnostic accuracy. The FS slides from 271 biopsies of suspected AIFRS in a 16-year period were reviewed and the morphologic features evaluated for their utility in DX. Recurring specific patterns of necrosis were identified, which to our knowledge have not been described in the literature. Although they provide strong evidence for AIFRS, identifying fungus consistently in necrotic tissue is essential for DX. Clues to identifying fungus and pitfalls in misidentification were identified, but even with expert knowledge of these, a gap in accurate DX remained. The key to FS DX of AIFRS is to improve fungus identification in necrotic tissues. Methods had been sought in the past to stain fungus at FS without consistent success. The Periodic Acid Schiff's Reaction for Fungi was modified by our histopathology department for use on frozen tissue (PASF-fs) resulting in effective staining of the fungus. It stained fungus on all 62 positive slides when applied retrospectively over hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained FSs and used prospectively at FS for DX. Although knowledge of histologic morphology on FS is important, the crucial value of this study is the novel use of PASF-fs to identify fungus in the DX of AIFRS.