Radiologic Characterization of Invasive Fungal Infections of the Paranasal Sinuses and Skull Base: A Prospective...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Invasive sinonasal and skull base fungal infections are life-threatening and increasing.
• Early diagnosis and accurate staging via imaging are critical to reduce mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare CT and MRI features of acute vs. chronic invasive fungal infections.
• Correlate imaging with microbiological and histopathological findings.
• Evaluate post-treatment imaging changes.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 60 patients (30 acute, 30 chronic invasive fungal infections).
• Radiological examination of paranasal sinuses, skull base, orbit, and brain.
• Correlation with tissue diagnosis and follow-up imaging.

Main Results:

• Acute infections common in immunocompromised; chronic in immunocompetent.
• Maxillary sinus most frequently involved; orbital/intracranial involvement higher in acute cases.
• Radiological improvement seen in 76.7% of acute and 83.3% of chronic cases.

Conclusions:

• CT and MRI are indispensable for diagnosis, staging, and follow-up.
• Characteristic imaging patterns facilitate early diagnosis and guide management.
• Imaging helps determine antifungal therapy duration.