A Prospective and Retrospective Study of Imaging Characteristics of Acute Invasive Fungal Rhino-Sinusitis (AIFR) on CT Paranasal Sinuses in KOH-Positive COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

Background: Acute (fulminant) invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFR) is distinguished by the 
invasion of paranasal sinuses and the nasal cavity with fungal organisms. Potassium 
hydroxide (KOH) helps us to identify the typical pauciseptate/aseptate ribbon-like hyphae 
and gives us a presumptive diagnosis. The go-to technique for visualising paranasal sinuses is 
computed tomography (CT). The use of radiological investigations is central to the initial 
diagnosis and management. We aim to study imaging characteristics of acute invasive fungal 
rhino-sinusitis (AIFR) on CT paranasal sinuses in KOH-positive COVID-19 patients. 
Material and Methods: The prospective and retrospective study was carried out in the 
department of Radio-diagnosis at Kempegowda institute of medical sciences, Bengaluru for a 
period of 8 months on 40 patients.