The Aftermath of the Battle Between Covid-19 & Invasive Fungal Sinusitis: A long Term Prospective Study

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Mycology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in invasive fungal sinusitis cases.
• Understanding the long-term outcomes of these infections is essential for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate the long-term sequelae and prognosis of patients with COVID-19-associated invasive fungal sinusitis.
• To identify factors influencing disease progression and complications.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study of 124 patients with COVID-19-associated invasive fungal sinusitis treated between April 2021 and September 2021.
• Patients received surgery and/or antifungal treatment.
• Follow-up until October 2023 included clinical assessment, nasal endoscopy, and radiological imaging (CT, MRI).

Main Results:

• Overall survival was 79.8% at 3 months and 72.03% at 18 months.
• Facial pain was the most common symptom (72.04%), with limited improvement (17.91%).
• Two patients experienced progressive disease requiring multiple surgeries.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19-associated invasive fungal sinusitis requires careful long-term follow-up.
• Vigilant monitoring can help mitigate the risk of disease progression and associated complications.