ABSTRACT
Background: In this coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, safe and effective preventative vaccines are essential to contain the pandemic, which has had severe medical, economic, and societal consequences, despite some people still becoming infected after receiving immunisation. Methods: A total of 200 patients were examined and split into two groups: (1) 100 consecutive COVID-19-positive cases who had been vaccinated and (2) 100 consecutive COVID-19-positive patients with no vaccination. At the time of the scan, the patient's vaccination status was noted. Results: The computed tomography severity score (CTSS) of unvaccinated individuals was found to be considerably greater than that of partly or fully vaccinated patients (median 13 vs. 7, P < 0.001). Completely vaccinated individuals had a considerably lower median CTSS than partly vaccinated patients (6 vs. 9, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Individuals should be thoroughly vaccinated to avoid major lung disease. As a result, stronger dedication and motivating efforts should be made worldwide to improve the COVID-19 vaccination program.
ABSTRACT
Background: There has been a rapid rise in the number of COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital mucormycosis (CAROM) cases especially in South Asian countries, to an extent that it has been considered an epidemic among the COVID-19 patients in India. As of May 13, 2021, 101 CAROM cases have been reported, of which 82 cases were from India and 19 from the rest of the world. On the other hand, pulmonary mucormycosis associated with COVID-19 has a much lesser reported incidence of only 7% of the total COVID-19-associated mucormycosis cases (Singh AK, Singh R, Joshi SR, Misra A, Diab Metab Syndr: Clin Res Rev, 2021). This case report attempts to familiarize the health care professionals and radiologists with the imaging findings that should alarm for follow-up and treatment in the lines of CAROM. Case presentation: Rhino-orbital mucormycosis (ROM) is a manifestation of mucormycosis that is thought to be acquired by inhalation of fungal spores into the paranasal sinuses. Here, we describe a 55-year-old male, post COVID-19 status with long standing diabetes who received steroids and ventilator therapy for the management of the viral infection. Post discharge from the COVID-19 isolation ICU, the patient complained of grayish discharge from the right nostril and was readmitted to the hospital for the nasal discharge. After thorough radiological and pathological investigation, the patient was diagnosed with CAROM and managed. Conclusion: Uncontrolled diabetes and imprudent use of steroids are both contributing factors in the increased number of CAROM cases. Our report emphasizes on the radiological aspect of CAROM and reinforces the importance of follow-up imaging in post COVID-19 infection cases with a strong suspicion of opportunistic infections.
ABSTRACT
Background: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and spontaneous subcutaneous emphysema are rare entities. A rising trend in the setting of COVID-19 even in patients who are not put on invasive ventilation can suggest an alternative aetiology. Case presentation: We describe four cases which presented with suspected symptoms of COVID-19 and were diagnosed with pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and subcutaneous emphysema which would have been missed if not for computed tomography scan performed at the time of admission. Three of these cases had no prior history of any iatrogenic intervention, and the fourth person developing pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema after intubation. Conclusions: Pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema can be noted as a complication of COVID-19 itself as well as the complication of management of COVID-19.