Search

Objectives: 1. To determine the prevailing scenario of the bacteriological profile of patients with CRS, 2. To identify their antibiotic susceptibility profile. Material and methods: The study was conducted on 100 patients in the Department of ENT and Microbiology from December 2020–2022. Patients above the age of 12 years were evaluated. Those who received antibiotics in the last 12 months. and age < 12 years were excluded. Patients were subjected to a detailed history, clinical and radiological examination. After the informed consent of patients and ethical cleareance, samples were taken from the middle meatus area and studied for antibiotics sensitivity: levofloxacin, vancomycin, amikacin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and azithromycin. Results: The study was male predominance (71%), with the maximum of patients in the age group 21–30 years (38%). The most common clinical features were nasal obstruction (96%) and mucopurulent discharge (100%). The most common isolate was Staphylococcus aureus (45.16%). In Gram-positive, the maximum resistance was shown to azithromycin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and the maximum sensitivity to vancomycin, levofloxacin and amikacin. Conclusions: Antibiotic resistance seems to be emerging for azithromycin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid at a higher rate. MRSA (19.35%) maintains a significant presence with associated increased levels of antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common condition causing significant symptoms to those affected, cause burden to the healthcare consumption and productivity loss (Fokkens et al. in Rhinol J 58:82–111, 2020). Chronic Rhinosinusitis is diagnosed clinically on the basis of characteristic symptoms with inflammation of the mucosa of the nose and paranasal sinuses of at least 12 consecutive weeks duration (Fokkens et al. in A summary for otorhinolaryngologists Rhinology 50:1–12, 2012). Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is a minimally invasive procedure recommended for chronic Rhinosinusitis. Patients are not routinely assessed specifically for functional and symptomatic improvement after surgery. Previous studies assessed either subjective or objective outcome of surgery (Elwany et al. in Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 255:511–514, 1998; Sino-nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22): A predictor of post-surgical improvement in patients with chronic sinusitis – PMC, 2022. The present study assessed pre and post operative comparison of nasal mucociliary clearance, nasal patency and Sino-nasal outcome score and evaluated both subjective and objective outcomes of functional endoscopic sinus surgery simultaneously. To assess the effect of functional and symptomatic outcomes after Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis visiting a tertiary care centre in South India. The present study was a hospital based cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, in a tertiary care centre in South India, between February 2021 and May 2022. After obtaining informed consent all the patients fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria in the given time period were selected as the study population via consecutive sampling method. Detailed history, clinical examination and Diagnostic nasal endoscopy, Computed Tomography (CT) paranasal sinuses were done in all cases. Pre operative Saccharine transit time (STT), Peak nasal inspiratory flow rate (PNIFR) and Sino nasal outcome test (SNOT) 22 score were measured. All cases underwent Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). Patients were followed up at 1st, 3rd and 6th month for functional and symptomatic outcomes. Data were analysed statistically using Friedman's ANOVA test. A total of 40 patients between the age of 20 and 60 with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with /without nasal polyposis were analysed. Incidence was found to be more common in middle aged group (37.5%). Among the study group 52.5% were females and 47.5% were males 55% was diagnosed as Chronic Rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) type and 45% as without nasal polyp (CRSsNP) type. On comparing the variation of Saccharine transit time, Peak nasal inspiratory flow rate and SNOT 22 score with post operative results done at, 1st, 3rd and 6th months using Friedman's ANOVA test showed statistically significant results (P value < 0.05). According to our study there is significant improvement in functional and symptomatic outcomes after Functional Endoscopic sinus surgery and restoration of mucociliary function in Chronic Rhinosinusitis patients. Thus, FESS is an excellent choice for treatment of CRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To detect the presence of Mucorales in the sinuses of healthy individuals and non-invasive fungal sinusitis patients. Materials and methods: Post FESS specimens with appearance suggestive of fungal ball or allergic mucin from 30 immunocompetent patients was sent for KOH smear, HPE, fungal culture and PCR. Results: Fungal culture was positive for Aspergillus flavus in one specimen. PCR demonstrated Aspergillus (21), Candida (14), and Rhizopus in one case. HPE detected mainly Aspergillus in 13 specimens. No fungal presence in four cases. Discussion: There was no significant undetected Mucor colonisation. PCR proved to be the most sensitive test in reliably detecting the organisms. No significant variation in the pattern of fungi were detected between COVID-19 infected and non-infected, but for the slightly higher detection of candida in the COVID-19 infected group. Conclusion: There was no significant presence of Mucorales in non-invasive fungal sinusitis patients in our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Fungal rhinosinusitis is on the rise worldwide and it is endemic especially in North India. The main purpose of this study was to determine the antifungal resistance profile of fungal isolates from the cases of fungal rhinosinusitis. Methods Antifungal susceptibility testing of isolated fungi to fluconazole, amphotericin B, itraconazole, and voriconazole was determined by standard CLSI broth microdilution method. Results Sixty-eight fungal isolates of Aspergillus spp. (n = 49), Rhizopus spp. (n = 9), Candida spp. (n = 4), Penicillium spp. (n = 2), Mucor spp. (n = 2), Bipolaris spp. (n = 1), and Alternaria spp. (n = 1) were obtained from 60 different clinical samples as exudate from nasal mucosa (n = 28), allergic mucin (n = 8), nasal lavage (n = 2), tissue biopsy from nasal polyps (n = 14), and intraoperative nasal mucosa (n = 8). Of the 68 isolates, 75% were resistant to fluconazole, 13.23% were resistant to itraconazole, 2.94% to amphotericin B, and none were resistant to voriconazole. Aspergillus flavus (5%) was the only fungi found resistant to amphotericin B, while against itraconazole, A. flavus (7.5%) and A. niger (100%) were found resistant. All the isolates of A. flavus , A. fumigatus , A. niger , and Penicillium spp. were resistant to fluconazole. Conclusion Although amphotericin B stills remains to be the most effective drug, more prospective studies are needed for the requirement of knowledge of the sensitivity pattern for optimal treatment and reduction in morbidity in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The spectrum of COVID-19 infection-related neurological imaging findings in East Asian and Western populations has been well documented. In the Indian subcontinent, certain extracranial neurological imaging manifestations such as acute invasive fungal sinusitis were noted to occur with increasing frequency when compared to that reported in literature. This anomaly was more evident during the second wave of infection and since there is a paucity of literature documenting this change, we undertook this retrospective observational study. Results: Patients with COVID-19 who underwent brain or spine imaging between 1st March 2020 and 31st May 2021 were assessed for inclusion. We considered cases with imaging done in 2020 as the 1st wave, and cases with imaging done in 2021 as the 2nd wave. In the first wave, the most common neuroimaging findings were ischemic stroke (82, 26.5%), acute invasive fungal sinusitis (34, 11%), dural venous sinus thrombosis (15, 4.9%), and brain hemorrhages (15, 4.9%). In the second wave, the most common were acute invasive fungal sinusitis (44, 21.9%), ischemic stroke (39, 19.4%), and noninvasive sinusitis (30, 14.9%). The second wave had significantly more cases of acute invasive fungal sinusitis (44, 21.9% vs. 34, 11%; p-value.001), noninvasive sinusitis, and orbital cellulitis when compared to the first wave. Conclusions: While we had ischemic stroke, followed by acute invasive fungal sinusitis, dural venous sinus thrombosis, and brain hemorrhages as the most common neuroimaging findings in the first wave, the second wave was dominated by the extracranial complications of Mucormycosis, namely acute invasive fungal sinusitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Secondary fungal infection following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a serious cause of concern as in majority of cases these are associated with devastating consequences. Invasive mucormycosis which was already prevalent in our country came back with a vengeance during the second wave of COVID-19. Methods: A 34-year-old male who had recovered from mild COVID disease developed invasive rhinosinusitis by two different fungi. The patient was followed up for clinical course, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Results: This case illustrates a first of a kind of an invasive fungal rhinosinusitis caused by two different fungi: Schizophyllum commune (of phylum Basidiomycota) and Rhizopus arrhizus (of the Mucorales group) in a patient who had recovered from COVID-19. In this case, conventional methods of direct detection and culture only revealed S. commune. Sequencing after DNA extraction from the paraffin blocks was done due to strong clinical suspicion of invasive mucormycosis and R. arrhizus was detected in the tissue sections. Appropriate antifungals for extended duration ensued complete eradication of the infection. Conclusion: Host risk factors are to be taken into consideration while diagnosing fungal infection. One needs to look beyond the obvious when clinical diagnosis is not consistent with the etiological agent isolated and in this regard molecular tools are a great help in establishing the etiological agent conclusively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is widely prevalent globally. Fungal rhinosinusitis is a subtype which requires early detection by using appropriate tests and to make an accurate decision regarding the treatment modality. This study aims at determining the clinicomycological profile of fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS). A total of 105 patients with CRS were included in the study which was prospectively done during a time period of 18 months in a tertiary care hospital. All patients were subjected to CT scans and diagnostic nasal examinations (DNE) preoperatively. The sinonasal specimens were subjected to KOH mount, fungal culture and histopathological examination following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). 53% of the patients with fungal sinusitis belonged to the age group 41–60 years. The prevalence of FRS was found to be 38% with aspergillus species accounting for about 85% cases. FRS is a disease which can have a wide spectrum of clinical presentations requiring early detection and appropriate treatment which is essential to avoid both short term and long term sequalae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a prevalent ENT condition, often presents treatment-resistant cases. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) causing Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is implicated in its etiology. This study aims to assess LPR prevalence in refractory CRS and the impact of combining proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Methods: 50 refractory CRS patients were evaluated, split into study (PPIs + FESS) and control (FESS only) groups in the Department of ENT at a tertiary care medical college in India. CRS indicators were assessed, and post-surgery, study patients received intranasal steroids and PPIs. A 3-month follow-up tracked symptom relief. Result: Majority of refractory CRS patients had LPR, mainly affecting the posterior larynx. Nasal obstruction, discharge, and polyps were common CRS indicators. Study group with PPIs showed greater improvement in symptoms, notably by the third postoperative month. Conclusion: The study highlights a significant link between refractory CRS and GERD. PPIs, when used alongside FESS, offer effective refractory CRS management, emphasizing combined treatment's advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deviated nasal septum (DNS) is defined as the deviation of the nasal bone, cartilage, or both from the midline of the face. DNS causes nasal blockage, watery discharge, nasal airway resistance, snoring, headache, facial pain, and cosmetic problems. DNS is the most common predisposing factor for chronic sinusitis. The present study was designed to analyze the prevalence of DNS and associated symptoms among the population of Maharashtra state, India. Two hundred patients reporting to the school of dental sciences, Karad, Maharashtra, India were recruited based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The demographic data of the patients including signs and symptoms of DNS were recorded in predesigned proforma. The patients were subjected to Orthopantomogram radiographic analysis to detect the type of DNS using Carestream, CS 8100 device. The DNS was classified according to Mladinas classification and subjected to statistical analysis. Out of the 200 subjects, 132 were males and 68 were females. DNS was observed in 136 patients (80 males and 56 females). Type II DNS was the most common, followed by type III. Patients suffering from symptoms of DNS were 124, with nasal obstruction as the most common complaint followed by nasal discharge. The prevalence of DNS was more among females, and type II DNS was most common among Maharashtra's population. Nasal obstruction was the most reported symptom. Early diagnosis and treatment of DNS in an individual, will reduce the symptoms and improve the quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the efficacy of submucosal diathermy (SMD) in Chronic rhinosinusitis and inferior turbinate hypertrophy undergoing Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery. Materials and Methods: We conducted a Randomized Prospective study in patients undergoing Functional Endoscopic Sinus surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis in a tertiary care centre in South India for a period of 2 years. Patients were divided into two groups, Group A underwent FESS and Group B underwent FESS with SMD. The outcome was evaluated using nasal endoscopy score (NES), modified SNOT score and Modified Lund Kennedy scores. Results: A total of 80 patients were included in this study.40 patients were allotted in each group. Male: Female ratio was 48:32. The age distribution ranged from 19 to 44 years with a mean of 29.55 ± 6.90 yrs. Mean NES scores, Modified SNOT and Modified Lund -kennedy scores were estimated pre-operatively and during 1st, 2nd and 3rd month of post-operative periods. The mean pre-operative sores were comparable in both the groups except NES score, which was higher in group B. Both the groups showed significant improvement in post-operative period. Inter group comparison showed significant difference in all scores with group B having better results when compared to group A. Conclusion: This study proves that FESS combined with SMD improves the postoperative clinical outcomes when compared with FESS without turbinate reduction. We conclude that SMD is a simple, mucosal preserving technique with almost no complications and can be safely done along with FESS to improve the outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis (AIFR) is a serious condition with aggressive course and high mortality rates. There is an upsurge in the incidence of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in post COVID-19 patients. We have come across 20 AIFR cases in post COVID-19 patients. On retrospective exploration of the patient's records, we found that 30% patients had received steroids and 90% had diabetes. All the patients were managed by administration of Iv amphotericin B and local debridement of infected tissues. The mortality rate was as low as 15 %. We conclude that combined approach of Antifungal therapy with debridement of infected tissues improves the prognosis and survival of AIFR patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (eCRSwNP) and non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (neCRSwNP) are two distinct endotypes of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The aim of the study was to find the prevalence of eCRSwNP and neCRSwNP, their clinical comparison and to establish predictive values for clinical and diagnostic factors to differentiate between eCRSwNP and neCRSwNP in Indian population with CRSwNP. This study was a prospective cohort, multi- institutional study. A total of 162 patients who were diagnosed with nasal polyps at different military hospitals in India during the period from 2011 to 2020 were selected for study. They were diagnosed in accordance with EPOS guidelines. They were randomly divided into two groups as eCRSwNP and neCRSwNP based on the response to oral corticosteroids for 2 weeks duration and the prevalence of eCRSwNP was established. Blood samples were collected and endoscopic sinus surgery was performed in all patients after atleast 2 months of last steroid dose. Preop CT scan scores, preop nasal endoscopy scores, preop blood eosinophil counts, preop tissue eosinophil counts were compared between the groups. Postop followup was done at 6 months by comparing CT scan scores and nasal endoscopy scores. Predictive values for clinical and diagnostic factors were established to diagnose eCRSwNP in Indian population. Out of a total 162 patients, 121 (74.6%) patients were classified into eCRSwNP and 41 (23.6%) into neCRSwNP out of a total of 162 patients with CRSwNP. CRSwNP was seen in the 4th decade. eCRSwNP was seen in the later part and neCRSwNP was seen in the early part. eCRSwNP was more common in males and neCRSwNP was more common in females. Smoking, asthma and aspirin intolerance were more commonly seen in eCRSwNP than neCRSwNP, p < 0.001, p = 0.020 respectively. Preop total CT scan score, preop bood absolute eosinophil count,preop blood eosinophil percentage, tissue eosinophil percentage, postop nasal endoscopy score, postop CT scan score were stastically significant in eCRSwNP, p < 0.001 except preop total nasal endoscopic score. Tissue absolute eosinophil count had best predictive accuracy plotted with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, area under curve (AUC) 0.923(95% CI, 0.876–0.970). The cutoff points determined to diagnose eCRSwNP were ≥ 15 for preop total CT scan score, ≥ 378 × 106/L for preop absolute blood eosinophil count, ≥ 6.5% for preop blood eosinophil percentage, ≥ 14% for tissue eosinophil percentage, ≥ 16 for absolute tissue eosinophil count, ≥ 1 for 6 months postop total nasal endoscopy score, ≥ 2 for 6 months postop total CT scan score. eCRSwNP and neCRSwNP are two distinct endotypes of nasal polyps present in Indian population with CRSwNP. Two thirds of the patients with nasal polyps were eCRSwNP and the prevalence in Indian population is more than the East Asian population but less than the Western population. There is a high chance of recurrence and treatment failures for eCRSwNP than neCRSwNP. The cutoff points for various non invasive diagnostic predictors are useful to diagnose the patients with eCRSwNP during the outpatient visits and hence plan for better treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic rhinosinusitis has an incidence of 15% in India. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), in case of failed medical management, is the current treatment protocol in Chronic rhinosinusitis. This study aims to assess the outcome of FESS as measured by subjective quality of life indices; Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) and Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22. It also assesses the predictive factors which influence the outcome after FESS. The study was conducted among 100 patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis who underwent FESS, after failure of medical management. Immunocompromised or pregnant patients and patients with history of previous sinus surgery or malignancy were excluded from the study. The evaluation was done using Lund Kennedy endoscopy scores, Lund Mackay CT scan scores and RSDI and SNOT-22 questionnaires (baseline and 3 months post-op). Statistical analysis was done using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Kruskall Wallis test, Mann Whitney test and Chi-square test. p < 0.05 was considered significant. RSDI and SNOTT 22 scores showed a mean change 34.78 and 33.04 respectively after FESS, with a p value of < 0.001, which was highly significant. The pre-operative factors which predicted a poor quality of life after FESS were smoking, Allergy and Asthma. Higher pre-operative Endoscopic and CT scores resulted in an improved quality of life after FESS. Gender, concurrent septoplasty and sinonasal polyposis did not influence the quality of life outcomes after FESS. The study determines the quality of life after FESS and also analyses the factors responsible for poor prognosis after functional endoscopic sinus surgery. This study will enable the ENT surgeons to adequately counsel the patients before surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: During the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, a surge in acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) cases with high mortality was reported in India. Objective: The objective was to study the spectrum of fungus associated with AIFRS during the pandemic of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A total of 51 patients who were clinically diagnosed as cases of acute invasive rhinosinusitis in the department of ear, nose and throat (ENT) were included in the study. The clinical data along with demographic details were noted, and fungal identification was done using a conventional method. Results: Out of 51 patients, 66.6% were males and 33.4% females. Predominantly affected age group was 41–50 years. Out of 51 patients, 92.15% (47/51) had suffered from COVID-19 and 7.8% (4/51) did not have COVID-19 infection previously. Thirty-seven patients out of 51 (72.54%) were diabetics. Out of 51 samples collected from patients, 94.11% (48/51) were fungal culture-positive and only 5.8% (3/51) were culture-negative. A total of 52 fungi were isolated from the 48 culture-positive samples. Mucormycetes were predominantly isolated from the samples followed by Aspergillus species and Candida species. Among mucormycetes, Rhizopus species was the predominantly isolated. Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19, especially those at high risk, need to undergo an ENT examination once they recover because an early identification of AIFRS and a strong clinical suspicion of the disease are crucial for a successful course of treatment and to improve patient prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Preauricular sinus (PAS) can lead to severe complications such as facial paralysis, and squamous cell carcinoma may develop from this sinus later in life. Asymptomatic sinus needs no intervention, but symptomatic sinus needs surgical interventions. Aims: This study compares the surgical outcome of microscope-assisted sinus tract excision technique with the supra-auricular sinectomy technique. Settings and Design: This was a retrospective, observational study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Purulia District, West Bengal, India. Subjects and Methods: Records of patients operated on for PAS were included following the proper inclusion and exclusion criteria. These patients were categorized and followed up based on disease pathology and the type of intervention received. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were collected, tabulated, and analyzed using the standard statistical software. Results: Fifty-two patients were included in our study. About 48.07% of patients were found in the age group of 11–15 years. In the microscope-assisted sinectomy category, recurrence of the disease was seen in 2 out of 15 operated patients compared to 1 patient among 13 in the supra-auricular sinectomy approach for uncomplicated cases. In complicated cases, the supra-auricular sinectomy approach had a nil recurrence rate compared to three patients out of ten operated in microscope-assisted technique (Fisher's exact test - 0.0593). Both the outcomes are not statistically significant. Conclusion: Supra-auricular sinectomy technique has the lowest recurrence rate for preauricular sinus surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucormycosis is almost always confined to the patients with altered host defenses amongst which diabetes is considered as the strongest risk factor. COVID-19 only been seen in severe cases but also in mild and moderate cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections. After preliminary clinical and radiological diagnosis, surgical management in the form of endoscopic sinus surgery, debridement, and orbital exenteration (8) was performed. Medical management in the form of antifungal therapy (amphotericin-B, posaconazole, and isavuconazole) was initiated. In this case series, 79 proven cases of COVID-19 associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis were analyzed retrospectively from mid-April 2021 to mid-September 2021. 67 patients were known diabetics, whereas rest 12 had new onset diabetes mellitus. Of these 79 cases, 27 cases had the disease limited to sinuses (rhino-mucormycosis), 43 had orbital involvement also (rhino–orbital mucormycosis), and 9 had cerebral involvement as well (rhino–orbital–cerebral mucormycosis). During this time-period, a total of 14 mortalities occurred. Most of the patients were discharged after completion of amphotericin-B therapy and rest stayed little longer till their general condition improved. COVID-19 causes dysregulation and alteration of immune response in the body which predispose to invasive fungal infections. In addition, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and corticosteroid treatment increase the risk of mucormycosis by many folds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the patient demographics, risk factors, which include comorbidities, medications used to treat COVID-19, and presenting symptoms and signs, and the management outcome of COVID-19-associated invasive fungal sinusitis. A retrospective, propensity score-matched, comparative study was conducted at a tertiary care center, involving 124 patients with invasive fungal sinusitis admitted between April 2021 and September 2021, suffering from or having a history of COVID-19 infection. Among the 124 patients, 87 were male, and 37 were female. A total of 72.6% of patients received steroids, while 73.4% received antibiotics, and 55.6% received oxygen during COVID-19 management. The most common comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (83.9%) and hypertension (30.6%). A total of 92.2% had mucor, 16.9% had aspergillus, 12.9% had both, and one patient had hyalohyphomycosis on fungal smear and culture. The comparative study showed the significant role of serum ferritin, glycemic control, steroid use, and duration in COVID-19-associated invasive fungal disease (p < 0.001). Headache and facial pain (68, 54.8%) were the most common symptoms. The most involved sinonasal site was the maxillary sinus (90, 72.6%). The overall survival rate at the three-month follow-up was 79.9%. COVID-19-related aggressive inflammatory response, uncontrolled glycemic level, and rampant use of steroids are the most important predisposing factors in developing COVID-19-associated invasive fungal sinusitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The second wave of COVID-19 has affected India substantially, with the highest number of daily cases reaching 0.4 million in a single day. COVID-19 infection, its treatment, resultant immune suppression, and pre-existing co-morbidities have made patients vulnerable to secondary infections including mucormycosis. Nasal irrigation is an ancient and well-practiced treatment for nasal and sinus pathologies. It has been proved that Mucorales live as commensals in nasal epithelium and a drop in immunity leads to its super-infection. This practice of nasal douching reduces its survival and washes out the spores from the nasal cavity. The study aims to prove that practicing Nasal Irrigation with prescribed medications reduces the incidence and severity of Mucormycosis. 110 patients who reported with Post-Covid sinusitis were selected for the study. History of Covid-19 infection was taken. Pre-treatment KOH and culture were advised. Also, pre-treatment radiological analysis was done to assess the severity of involvement. According to the guidelines, antibiotic, antifungal, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, and antacid drugs were prescribed. Along with this, nasal irrigation of buffered saline solution, povidone-iodine, and 2% acetic acid was prescribed to alleviate the symptoms or to prevent them all together. Post-treatment culture and radiological analysis were carried out if symptoms persisted. Collected data underwent Chi-square test. The P-value of the study was kept at less than 0.05 according to the sample size. The study revealed a significant decrease in the incidence and severity of symptoms of mucormycosis. This study concludes that Nasal Irrigation has an important role in the prevention of crippling Mucormycosis in Post-Covid patients with initial symptoms of sinusitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiological investigations are essential for the diagnosis and classification of fungal rhinosinusitis; however, radiological findings might occasionally be misleading. Computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) complement each other, facilitating clinicians to arrive at a diagnosis. Hence, even with the best radiological modalities, correlation between clinical and microbiological findings is crucial for the accurate diagnosis of fungal rhinosinusitis. In addition, the role of traditional methods such as KOH microscopy and culture should be accurately evaluated. To this end, we aimed to diagnose rhinosinusitis with a fungal etiology based on radiological findings and subsequently correlate these findings with those of microbiological techniques, namely culture and KOH microscopy. A total of 57 clinically suspected fungal rhinosinusitis cases were included in the study. Radiological investigations were performed using either CT or MRI. Tissues samples were processed and analyzed using KOH microscopy and culture. The results of the study suggest that using a single method for the diagnosis of fungal rhinosinusitis is inadequate. Rather, the diagnosis should be based on radiological as well as microbiological findings, especially for cases that are clinically ambiguous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic adenoiditis leading to adenoid hypertrophy is common in children. Many cases would also have co-existing chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Infact, long lasting bacterial infection of the adenoids has been hypothesized to be the cause for CRS in these children. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the departments of ENT and Micro-biology at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, India between 2016 and 2017. 20 subjects who were diagnosed with CRS and adenoid hypertrophy took part in the study. Aerobic, anaerobic and fungal culture sensitivity of adenoid tissue was done along with aerobic and fungal culture sensitivity of nasal swabs from middle meatus. 2 out of 20 adenoid samples showed positive culture for aerobes and 19 adenoid samples grew anaerobic organisms. 7 out of 20 nasal swabs grew some aerobes and 2 were positive for fungal organisms. The correlation of microorganisms between adenoid hypertrophy and CRS was seen only in one patient in which methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was grown. The present study showed mixed flora in the adenoid samples with anaerobic predominance. Aerobes were predominantly grown in nasal swabs from patients with CRS along with fungal colonizers. Though the study does not establish any bacteriological association with the CRS in our cohorts, the significant growth of the anaerobes from the core of the inflamed adenoids has prompted us to suggest the inclusion of the antibiotics against the anaerobes in the medical management of these children, whenever feasible. We think the addition of specific antibiotics to tackle anaerobes helps by hampering the further inflammatory hypertrophy of adenoid tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic sinusitis is a common disorder worldwide a significant proportion of which is secondary to fungal aetiology contrary to popular belief that fungal sinusitis is a rare entity, more so in a country like India where warm moist climate in a number of states and ever rising incidence of diabetes mellitus gives the fungal organisms a perfect environment to grow. This study aims to find the incidence and clinical features of fungal rhinosinusitis in chronic rhinosinusitis reinstating the fact that it should be kept as a differential diagnosis in every patient presenting with symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. Aim of the study was to find out the incidence and clinical manifestations of fungal sinusitis in chronic rhinosinusitis. A prospective study was conducted in JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore during a time period of 37 months i.e. November 2015 to December 2018. Total of 190 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were evaluated with relevant investigations to reach the diagnosis. All patients were subjected to diagnostic nasal endoscopy and CT scan of paranasal sinuses. Patients were then subjected to functional endoscopic sinus surgery and sample collected was sent for KOH stain and fungal culture with histopathology. Fungal rhinosinusitis is on the rise now and it is important to evaluate all cases with caution and keep an eye out for features suggestive of fungal sinusitis as an accurate diagnosis is the key to proper management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to determine epidemiological profile of cases admitted with suspicion of pre or post septal cellulitis and to define and evaluate the various factors associated with the aetiology, presentation, diagnosis and management of orbital and preseptal cellulitis via a one year study of ten cases presenting to a tertiary care hospital in western Rajasthan, India. All patients presenting to our department or being transferred from other departments to us with the diagnosis of pre/post septal cellulitis from the March of 2017 to February 2018 were considered for this case series. Data compilation of these patients was done which included age, sex, chief complain, duration of illness, associated co-morbidities, time of presentation, management plan undertaken and associated radiological findings. All these aspects were then evaluated. Our study included 10 cases. Of these 8 were less than 14 years and 2 were over 50 years. Both the adults were female and were positive for Diabetes Mellitus type two. 80% of these patients presented between the duration of November to February with maximum (40%) in the month of December. In 7 of these 10 patients, the cellulitis was associated with underlying sinusitis. Six patients were admitted directly from ENT OPD while other 4 were being managed in other ward before being transferred to us. All patients were managed conservatively except 1 who required surgical intervention. Pre/post septal cellulitis is a dangerous condition in which prompt intervention needs to be undertaken as it can be difficult to predict what course it will follow. Radiological evaluation should be done in all cases as most cases are associated with an underlying sinus infection. Also, it is more common in paediatric age group and the patient may initially be referred to an ophthalmologist or a paediatrician in which case it becomes very important that a good working interdepartmental collaboration be present so that correct management plan can be followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IFRS) is a fatal disease of the nose and paranasal sinuses that typically affects immunocompromised patients. Data on this disorder, which is rare and difficult to diagnose, are lacking in the literature. We collected comprehensive data from 9 patients (7 males, 2 females) with a mean age of 34 years (range: 6 to 58) with IFRS who were treated at our center and examined the factors associated with successful treatment. The parameters examined were patient demographics, disease characteristics, clinical course including surgical and medical therapy, treatment, fungal species involved, and long-term survival at follow-up. The mean duration of symptoms was 33 days. The most common presenting symptoms were loss of vision (67%), headache (55%), and nasal discharge (33%). The middle meatus, middle turbinate, and sphenoethmoidal recess were the most commonly involved sites. Imaging criteria were not definitive in diagnosing IFRS. Early aggressive endoscopic debridement of involved structures was done in all patients with supplementary medical treatment with antifungal agents, which led to complete recovery in most patients. In the remaining patients, subsequent debridement was needed along with more aggressive medical treatment with more than one antifungal agent concurrently. Mortality was 0% after follow-up of 1 year. IFRS is rare, difficult to diagnose, and can present with inconsistent symptoms. Aggressive surgical treatment along with medical treatment should be considered in these patients for complete recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We report the clinical and radiological features as well as outcomes of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in patients with diabetes from a tertiary care center in North India. Methodology: All patients admitted with a diagnosis of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis with pre-existing or newly diagnosed diabetes from 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2015 were included. Hospital records were used to identify clinical features, biochemical investigations and treatment modalities used. The imaging findings were reported at baseline, 30, 60,90 and 120 days of admission and progression of disease was reported as static, worse or improved. The outcomes were sight loss and survival at end of hospital stay. Results: 22 patients of invasive fungal sinusitis and diabetes were identified. At presentation, 5 had ketoacidosis, all of whom died at the end of hospital stay. Loss of vision in one eye was seen in 70% cases. The survival at end of hospital stay was 72.7% and at six months after end of study period was 57.8%. No patients had radiological improvement at day 30 imaging (including those who subsequently improved). Conclusion: Radiological improvement is not apparent before two months of therapy. Ketoacidosis is a predictor of mortality in invasive fungal sinusitis with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to study the occurrence and clinical presentation of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS), characterize the same, and correlate with the microbiological profile. Clinically suspected cases of fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) depending upon their clinical presentation, nasal endoscopy, and radiological evidences were included. Relevant clinical samples were collected and subjected to direct microscopy and culture and histopathological examination. 35 patients were diagnosed to have AFRS. The average age was 28.4 years with a range of 18–48 years. Allergic mucin was seen in all the AFRS patients but fungal hyphae were detected in only 20%. 80% of cases were positive for IgE. All the patients had nasal obstruction followed by nasal discharge (62.8%). Polyps were seen in 95% (unilateral (48.57%) and bilateral (45.71%)), deviated nasal septum was seen in 28.57%, and greenish yellow secretion was seen in 17.14%. Direct microscopy and septate hyphae were positive in 71.42% of cases. 91.4% of cases were positive by culture. 5.7% yielded mixed growth of A. flavus and A. niger. Prompt clinical suspicion with specific signs and symptoms along with timely sampling of the adequate patient specimens and the optimal and timely processing by microscopy and culture and histopathological examination is a must for early diagnosis and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Sinonasal tumors are a highly heterogeneous group of tumors that account for less than 1% of all cancers. Precise diagnosis is essential because the natural history, treatment, and prognosis vary for different neoplasms. We reviewed 610 cases of sinonasal lesions to understand this entity better. Methods: A total of 610 sinonasal biopsies/ specimens were received over a period of 10 years (2004-14). All the samples were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Special staining for microorganisms and immunohistochemistry were performed where indicated. Results: Benign lesions were 72% with nasal polyp being the most common. Malignant lesions made up 21.2% of lesions with nasopharyngeal carcinoma being the most common while 7.7% cases were inflammatory/non-neoplastic. The most common cause for this was fungal sinusitis. The maxillary sinus was the most frequently involved site in all the lesions (62%). The average age of presentation was 40 years old, and the male to female ratio was 3:1 in those with benign tumors. The average age of presentation in the malignant and inflammatory group were 45 and 43 years, respectively, with an almost equal sex ratio in both categories. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans were done in virtually all cases to assess the extent of the tumor as well as bony destruction. Local recurrence was the most frequent cause of treatment failure. Conclusion: Tumors of the nasal cavity are often grouped with those in the paranasal sinuses. Benign tumors constituted approximately 75% of tumors in our hospital. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common malignancy of this region. These tumors need to be studied closely and accurately because their proximity to vital structures pose significant challenges for their treatment and may be the source of significant patient morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A descriptive epidemiological study of fungal rhinosinusitis ( FRS) was conducted in rural north India in the form of house-to-house survey of villages of two districts each of Punjab and Haryana provinces using a clinical case definition of chronic rhinosinusitis ( CRS). The suspected cases were investigated further in the laboratory to confirm FRS. Air and environment were sampled in different seasons to find Aspergillus spore count. The prevalence of chronic FRS cases was at 0.11% of the population and Aspergillus flavus was the predominant (97.6%) agent of all types of chronic FRS. The chronic FRS patients were classified as allergic FRS 41 (56.1%), chronic granulomatous FRS 13 (17.8%), eosinophilic FRS 11 (15.0%), fungal ball 7 (9.5%) and chronic invasive FRS 1 (1.3%). Aspergillus spores were present in large numbers (~20%) in air with significantly higher counts of A. flavus during winter months in the wheat-thrashing areas of Punjab as compared to Haryana ( P = 0.0079). The present study identified high prevalence (27.5% of CRS cases) of chronic FRS cases in rural north India and its possible association with wheat harvesting seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To study the presence of bacterial biofilm on the sinus mucosa of healthy individuals (controls) and patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyposis.Methods:An analytical, prospective and observational study was conducted. Tissue samples were obtained from the sinus mucosa. The bacteria were isolated and typified, and the material was examined for biofilm formation using tissue culture plate, Congo red agar detection and tube methods.Results:A total of 100 cases were analysed for the presence of biofilm. Bacterial biofilm was present in 26 of 50 disease group cases (52 per cent) and in 4 of 50 control group cases (8 per cent) (p < 0.01).Conclusion:The presence of biofilm on the mucosa of chronic rhinosinusitis patients offers a possible cause for the persistent inflammation, and for antibiotics resistance and antimicrobial therapy failure. These findings could change the approach to treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

India is witnessing an increasing number of invasive fungal infections, especially mucormycosis, associated with the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to describe the epidemiological and clinical features of patients with COVID-19 associated invasive fungal sinusitis (CIFRS) who presented to our centre (KIMSHEALTH, a tertiary hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India). We included biopsy and/or culture proven invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in patients who had history of COVID-19 infection (confirmed by RT-PCR or an antigen based test). Clinical details were collected by review of the electronic medical records and analysis was done by descriptive statistics. 15 patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. This included 11 cases of rhino orbital mucormycosis, 2 cases of invasive aspergillosis and 2 cases of co-infection with Mucorales and Aspergillus species. Fungal culture showed growth of Mucorales in 4 patients and Aspergillus flavus in one patient. The mean age of the patients was 58.0 ± 9.7 years, and 12 were male. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was a common additional risk factor in all the patients and the mean HbA1c was 9.9 ± 2.1. All patients except two had received corticosteroids as a part of their COVID-19 treatment. All patients except one had used steam inhalation for symptom relief for COVID-19 symptoms. The median duration between the diagnosis of COVID-19 and the diagnosis of CIFRS was 20 days (interquartile range: 16-27). All patients underwent emergency endoscopic sinus debridement surgery followed by antifungal medicines. Antifungals used included liposomal amphotericin B, amphotericin B deoxycholate and isavuconazole for mucormycosis patients while two patients with invasive aspergillosis were treated with isavuconazole. At the time of reporting one patient had expired while the others have shown clinical improvement. The common risk factor for all cases of CIFRS was diabetes mellitus. Majority of patients also had history of steroid use and steam inhalation during their COVID-19 treatment. Their role in pathogenesis need to be ascertained by larger studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To define the role of endoscopic evaluation of middle meatus in adult patients clinically diagnosed to have chronic rhinosinusitis and its ability to predict intra-sinus mucosal involvement as compared to CT scan. Methods: This prospective analytical study was conducted on consecutive patients with diagnosis of chronic rhino-sinusitis who were symptomatic and fulfilled the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Task Force criteria. The patients were enrolled prospectively and were subjected to rigid diagnostic nasal endoscopy and classified as defined by the revised Sinus Allergy Health Partnership Task Force criteria. The patients then underwent non contrast CT sinuses on the same day. Results were analyzed as a diagnostic test evaluation using CT as a gold standard. Results: Among the 75 study patients with symptom based chronic rhino-sinusitis, nasal endoscopy was abnormal in 65 patients (87%). Of these patients, 60/65 (92%) showed positive findings on CT scan. Ten patients had normal endoscopy, of these 6/10 (60%) had abnormal CT scan. Sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic nasal endoscopy against CT scan were 91% (95% CI: 81-97) and 44% (95% CI: 14-79), respectively. The likelihood ratio for positive nasal endoscopy to diagnose chronic rhino-sinusitis was 1.6 and the likelihood ratio to rule out chronic rhino-sinusitis when endoscopy was negative was 0.2. Conclusion: Nasal endoscopy is a valid and objective diagnostic tool in the work up of patients with symptomatic chronic rhinosinusitis. When clinical suspicion is low (<50%) and endoscopy is negative, the probability of rhino-sinusitis is very low (<17%) and there is no need to perform a CT scan to reconfirm this finding routinely. Endoscopy alone is able to diagnose chronic rhinosinusitis in >90% of patients when clinical suspicion is high (88%) as defined in this study by AAO-HNS Task Force criteria. Negative endoscopy, however, does not totally exclude the sinus disease in patients fulfilling task force criteria. CT scan may be needed on follow-up if there is clinical suspicion in 10% of these patients who are negative on endoscopy if symptoms persists. It is thus possible to reduce the number of CT scans if patients are carefully selected based on clinical criteria and endoscopy is done initially as part of their evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Worldwide, Aspergillus flavus is the second leading cause of allergic, invasive and colonizing fungal diseases in humans. However, it is the most common species causing fungal rhinosinusitis and eye infections in tropical countries. Despite the growing challenges due to A. flavus, the molecular epidemiology of this fungus has not been well studied. We evaluated the use of microsatellites for high resolution genotyping of A. flavus from India and a possible connection between clinical presentation and genotype of the involved isolate. Methodology/Principal Findings: A panel of nine microsatellite markers were selected from the genome of A. flavus NRRL 3357. These markers were used to type 162 clinical isolates of A. flavus. All nine markers proved to be polymorphic displaying up to 33 alleles per marker. Thirteen isolates proved to be a mixture of different genotypes. Among the 149 pure isolates, 124 different genotypes could be recognized. The discriminatory power (D) for the individual markers ranged from 0.657 to 0.954. The D value of the panel of nine markers combined was 0.997. The multiplex multicolor approach was instrumental in rapid typing of a large number of isolates. There was no correlation between genotype and the clinical presentation of the infection. Conclusions/Significance: There is a large genotypic diversity in clinical A. flavus isolates from India. The presence of more than one genotype in clinical samples illustrates the possibility that persons may be colonized by multiple genotypes and that any isolate from a clinical specimen is not necessarily the one actually causing infection. Microsatellites are excellent typing targets for discriminating between A. flavus isolates from various origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an allergen-induced inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Several studies have shown a link not only between AR and asthma but also with other co-morbid conditions. It is important to recognize the onset and existence of these co-morbid conditions, for adequate treatment, prevention of the development of new allergen sensitizations and air-way hypersensitivities. This is a prospective study of co-morbid conditions in adults with AR, from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India and compares them with those in children 23 consecutive children below 6 years (Group 1), 42 children between age of 6 years and 14 years in Group 2 and 57 adults in Group 3 were selected for the symptoms of AR (sneezing, watering and blocked nose), which were currently sufficiently troublesome to require medication. A high association of co-morbid conditions with AR was found. More than 80% suffered from one to three co-morbid conditions each. The most common co-morbid condition was asthma in all the groups. Often asthma and sinusitis was asymptomatic and a high degree of suspicion was needed for diagnosis. Adults had the highest prevalence of sinusitis and allergic conjunctivitis. Prevalence of urticaria was similar in children as well as adults. Studies with larger data samples are needed to confirm these associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Medical Mycology / Journal de Mycologie Médicale is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article describes the case of a 54-year-old woman who went to the clinic for evaluation of her voice and throat. She reported deterioration in her voice and experienced problem in swallowing which started following a medialization laryngoplasty which was done due to unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Examination revealed a mass adjacent to the Silastic implant.

Nocardia as an etiological agent for sinusitis has rarely been reported. Only three such cases have been reported so far in literature.We report here, a first case from India, of chronic maxillary sinusitis caused by Nocardianova in an immunocompetent male and patient responded well to treatment by co-trimoxazole [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) encompasses various disease entities, each with its own peculiar presentation, predisposing conditions, and outcome. This was a retrospective review of the clinical manifestations and histopathology in FRS. The categories of FRS seen were allergic, chronic non-invasive (fungus ball), chronic invasive, granulomatous invasive, and acute fulminant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor on side effects of roxithromycin.