Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026
06:18
An Improved Method for Accurate and Rapid Measurement of Flight Performance in Drosophila
Published on: February 13, 2014
12.7K
Frozen Section as a Rapid and Accurate Method for Diagnosing Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis
Max Hennessy1, Johnathan McGinn1, Bartholomew White2
11 Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.
Summary
A modified periodic acid-Schiff stain for fungus on frozen sections (PASF-fs) significantly improves the diagnosis of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis, reducing missed diagnoses and enabling faster treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Medical Diagnostics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFR) diagnosis relies on frozen section biopsies.
- Missed diagnoses during frozen section can delay critical treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify methods for improving frozen-section diagnosis of AIFR.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a modified periodic acid-Schiff stain for fungus on frozen sections (PASF-fs).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective and prospective review of frozen sections for suspected AIFR (2006-2017).
- Comparison of frozen section diagnoses with final diagnoses.
- Application of a novel PASF-fs stain to identify undetected fungal elements.
Main Results:
- The PASF-fs stain increased the detection rate of AIFR from 81% to 97% (63 biopsies).
- For positive cases, PASF-fs reduced missed diagnoses from 19% to 3%.
- In a subset of 41 positive cases, PASF-fs reduced missed diagnoses from 17% to 5%.
Conclusions:
- PASF-fs stain enhances the accuracy and sensitivity of frozen-section diagnosis for AIFR.
- Improved diagnostic accuracy leads to shorter time to surgery and potentially better patient outcomes.
- This modified stain is a valuable tool for rapid and reliable intraoperative diagnosis of AIFR.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis
1.3K
Diagnosing acid-base imbalances involves systematically analyzing arterial blood samples, focusing on three key measurements: pH, bicarbonate (HCO3−) concentration, and carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2). This analysis follows a four-step process that helps identify the imbalance's underlying cause and nature.
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2 and...
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2 and...
1.3K
01:29Fungal Group Zygomycota
1.3K
Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
1.3K
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
545
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
545
01:28Fungal Phylum Ascomycota
1.5K
Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
1.5K
01:26Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota
1.3K
Basidiomycota is a diverse phylum of fungi that includes ecologically significant decomposers such as white rot fungi, symbionts like mycorrhizal fungi, plant pathogens such as rusts and smuts, and edible species like Agaricus bisporus (the common button mushroom). These fungi play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, symbiotic relationships, and even human health. Their defining feature is the basidium, a microscopic club-shaped structure responsible for producing basidiospores.Fruiting Bodies...
1.3K
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
4.4K
Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
4.4K