MUCORMYCOSIS EFFECTS ON TURBINO SEPTAL COMPONENTS-OUR EXPERIENCE.

Introduction: Mucormycosis is a aggressive and most dangerous type of oppurtunistic Fungal infection. This disease starts commonly from Nose and Para nasal Sinuses. Many a times Middle Turbinate alone and some time both Middle and Inferior Turbinate are affected. This Fungi invades the Arteries more than the Veins and produce Thrombus and further reduces blood supply to concerned region and later on resulting in Necrosis of soft and Hard tissues , which was seen clinically as Black coloured “ Eschar”, the characteristic Endoscopic nding of Mucormycosis. Objectives: To Study about the effects Mucormycosis in the Turbinate, Septum and Floor of Nasal Cavity and to know the Effect of Septal Deviation in development of Sinusitis and further development of Mucormycosis. Study Design: Analytical Study, Retrospective Study. Materials And Method: This study was conducted in Govt Thanjavur Medical College, in Department of E.N.T and Head and Neck Surgery, from May 2021 to July 2021. Total Number of cases taken for study was 81 cases. Cases with Orbital and Pterygo Palatine Fossae and Infra Temporal Fossae involvement and Intra cranial involvement are excluded from the study. All cases are subjected to DNE and classied according to ndings. All cases under went Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and tissues sent for HPE and Fungal culture, followed by Systemic Amphotericin and Regular Post Operative Follow up for 4-6 weeks. Results: Males are involved more in numbers (48) than Females. Commonest age group involved are 21 to 40years. Strong Positive association present between Post Covid-19 status and Diabetes. Middle Turbinate involved in more number (34cases), followed by Inferior Turbinate (21 cases) and Septum (18 cases). Most common Anatomical factor present are High Septal Deviation (60 cases) and Osteo Meatal Complex (OMC) crowding (56 cases). Discussion: Mucormycosis is a Fulminant Fungal infection, which is common in Immunodecient individuals. Patients with Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus, on Prolonged Steroid therapy and Post COVID_19 status are very much prone for this infections. Angio invasion to Arteries and the resultant formation of Thrombi and Gangrene of involved areas is characteristic of Mucor. Black coloured dead tissue is called as ESCHAR. Depending upon the Arterial involvement Anterior half of Middle Turbinate or Posterior half of Middle Turbinate is involved, Posterior half of septum or entire septum is also involved. High septal deviation gives indirect disturbances to Osteo Meatal Complex functions resulting in development of Sinusitis and further chances of developing Mucormycosis. Early Surgical debridement of dead tissues followed by Inj.Amphotericin is very important in restriction of Disease spread. Proper management of predisposing factors and Postoperative Regular Weekly follow up and Endo Cleaning reduces the Recurrences. Conclusion:In our Study Males are affected more in numbers. 21-40 years are affected more. High Septal Deviation and OMC crowding are present in more number of patients which was responsible for the development of Acute Sinusitis. Post Covid status and Uncontrolled Diabetes was the commonest Predisposing factor the development of Mucormycosis. Middle Turbinate was involved more in numbers followed by Inferior Turbinate and Septum. Routine Examination followed by Nasal Septal Correction plays a major preventive role in development of sinusitis and further dreaded complications like Mucormycosis. Adequate Glycemic Control and Inj Amphotericin plays important role in the management of Mycormycosis. Regular Follow up with Endo Cleaning is reduces the chances of Recurrence.