Risk Stratification of Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis in Patients With Hematologic Pathology

Objective The purpose of this study is to identify objective perioperative diagnostic factors for acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFS) to create a diagnostic scoring system using objective criteria. Methods Retrospective case-control study performed at an academic, tertiary care center. Biopsy-proven cases of AIFS identified from pathology records (2015-2019) were compared to patients the otolaryngology service was consulted to Rule out AIFS in the year 2019, only including those with underlying hematologic malignancy. Eighteen patients with AIFS and 20 patients without were included. One and two tailed T-tests were used for p-values. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated for the significant data, and Youden's J-statistic was used to create the ideal cutoff values for each. Likelihood ratios were used to give a power for the scoring system. Results Compared to patients with non-hematologic malignancy-related AIFS, patients with hematologic malignancy-related AIFS have significantly elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and blood glucose; while albumin, hematocrit, platelet count, and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) were found to be significantly lower. In addition, Lund-Mackay score asymmetry, extra-sinus spread, aspergillus antigen, and pre-existing diabetes mellitus correlated with disease. A scoring system with three categories: AIFS Unlikely, Indeterminate/AIFS Suspicious, and AIFS Highly Likely was developed. Conclusion Patients with hematologic malignancy-related AIFS have measurable differences in lab values and standard imaging that could be used in determining the diagnostic probability of AIFS including: CRP, albumin, hematocrit, platelets, ANC, blood glucose, aspergillus antigen, Lund-Mackay score asymmetry, extra-sinus spread, and pre-existing diabetes mellitus. A novel scoring system was proposed that will require prospective validation. Level of Evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 2022

Automated summary

This study aimed to identify objective perioperative diagnostic factors for acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFS) and create a diagnostic scoring system. The study found measurable differences in lab values and standard imaging between patients with hematologic malignancy-related AIFS and non-hematologic malignancy-related AIFS. A novel scoring system was proposed for diagnostic probability of AIFS. Prospective validation is needed.