Imaging spectrum of acute invasive fungal rhino-orbital-cerebral sinusitis in COVID-19 patients: A case series and a review of literature

BACKGROUND: The incidence of devastating opportunistic coinfections in patients with COVID-19 infection, their imaging features and their morbidity and mortality consequences need to be unraveled. METHODS: This is a case series presenting the radiologic features and clinical presentation of acute invasive fungal rhino-orbital-cerebral sinusitis (AIFS) in eight hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection. RESULTS: Our patient cohort presented with symptoms of the invasive fungal disease within 12–35 days from their initial presentation with COVID-19 infection. The cross-sectional imaging features of AIFS associated with COVID-19 infection do not differ from those reported in the literature for AIFS associated with other risk factors, yet our patients had features of aggressive late-stage forms with high morbidity and mortality rate. CONCLUSION: AIFS is a possible encounter in patients with COVID-19 patients and radiologists should be familiar with its imaging features.