Early CT and MRI Signs of Invasive Fungal Sinusitis Complicating COVID-19 Infection Managed by Corticosteroids

ABSTRACT

Objective: Corticosteroids are usually prescribed for severe cases with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Despite their importance to decrease patients' mortality, they can cause serious side effects like fulminant fungal infection that can damage lungs or invades the sinuses then rapidly spreads to the orbit and even intracranially. Unless early diagnosed and properly managed;patients can lose their vision or die from cavernous sinus thrombosis or other intracranial complications. We are presenting a case that had been scanned with MRI followed by CT for facial drop and cheek swelling issues. The scan demonstrated early subtle signs that raised the suspicion of diagnosis of mucormycosis before the appearance of other clinical signs. This helped in early proper management that did not cost the patient any morbidity and saved his life. Conclusion: Early CT/MRI radiological signs of invasive fungal sinusitis that complicated COVID-19 infection aid in diagnosis and proper timely management of this fatal disease.