Pictorial Review of Post COVID-19 Acute Invasive Fungal Sinusitis: Clinical Radiologists’ Perspective

Acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS) is a rapidly progressive infection predominantly seen in immunocompromised patients. There is an increasing incidence of AIFS post COVID-19 infection. Yet, there is sparse literature regarding spectrum of cross-sectional imaging findings (CT and MRI) in these patients, which is prudent for appropriate timely surgical intervention. This study aims to highlight spectrum of imaging findings in patients with post-COVID-19 AIFS integrating the clinical details from presentation to follow-up. We retrospectively reviewed the demographics, clinical details and radiological imaging of 31 histopathological proven cases of post COVID-19 AIFS. MR and CT images of these patients were retrieved from the PACS and analysed. 90-day follow-up of these patients was obtained. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. Cross-sectional imaging showed nasal cavity involvement in all patients, bilateral in (15, 48%) cases; predominant involvement of maxillary (31, 100%) followed by ethmoid sinuses (29, 93.5%) was seen. MR showed patchy/complete loss of normal mucosal enhancement in the turbinates and sinuses as predominant imaging finding. Maxillary sinus walls erosions were seen in 28 cases (90%). Rhino-orbital and rhino-orbito-cerebral mycosis was seen in 24 (77%) and 14 (45%) respectively. Optic nerve-sheath complex was involved in 15 (48%) cases. Cerebral involvement was seen in form of meningeal enhancement, cerebritis, ischemic changes, cavernous sinus and intracranial arterial thrombosis and aneurysms. Comprehensive knowledge of imaging features of AIFS and recognition of extent of their spread allows radiologists to play pivotal role in alerting the clinician for appropriate therapy to avoid protracted and fatal outcome.