ABSTRACT
Mucocele is a benign soft tissue mass that could occur in all accessory glands. Mucocele can also occur in paranasal sinuses. It is mostly placed in the frontal sinus and barely grows larger than 1.5 centimeters(cm). Based on the affected site, it could cause facial pain and headache. Analgesics like opioids could relieve and potentially make patients ignore the headache and cause giant frontal mucocele. This article discusses a patient with giant frontal sinus mucocele (7×8×8 cm) and opium addiction that presented with severe and intolerable pain. A 32 yr old man came to Rajaee Trauma Hospital, Shiraz, Iran with a severe headache and a large swelling of the face frontal region that developed gradually. In physical examination, the mass was non-tender, non-pulsatile, and free from the overlying normal skin. Computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a frontal sinus mucocele. The operation was planned, and the patient was discharged after two days. Subsequently, the 6-month follow-up of the patient was normal. Two different hypotheses are declared in this article. First, the potential role of opium addiction as a risk factor for giant mucoceles was noted, then the analgesic non-responsiveness of sinus mucoceles was described. The latter hypothesis is more likely. So, we should consider that if the patient had an analgesic-resistant headache, one differential diagnosis could be sinus mucocele. Moreover, the pos sible psychological effect of addiction on discounting face beauty was acknowledged.
ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a global pandemic that particularly affects immunocompromised individuals, leading to secondary bacterial and fungal infections. Mucormycosis, caused by Mucorales fungi, is a severe infection primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a surge in mucormycosis cases worldwide, with India experiencing a significant increase. Various factors, including diabetes mellitus, contribute to the risk of mucormycosis. This study investigated head and neck mucormycosis in patients with prior COVID-19 infection. Methods: Data from 45 patients were analyzed, with diabetes being the most common risk factor. Visual symptoms, ethmoid bone involvement, and orbital bone involvement were also identified as significant factors. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in mucormycosis cases, particularly in the head and neck region, with high mortality. Successful management involves addressing underlying factors, surgical debridement, and antifungal therapy. Conclusion: Timely debridement reduces morbidity and mortality.
