Nasal Septum Deviation in Patients with Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

This is a retrospective study exploring the demographics and the role of nasal septum deviation in acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFS); and if this deviation contributes to the laterality predilection of this opportunistic infection. Fifty-six craniofacial CT scans were evaluated by two radiologists blinded to the clinical data and outcome for laterality of the disease; and nasal septal deviation (NSD). NSD was graded based on the measured septal angle of deviation into mild, moderate, and severe and furtherly classified into one of seven types based on Mladina’s classification. High prevalence of remarkable nasal septum deviation existed in our population with AIFS, with type 7 Mldina NSD represented the most prevalent in this population. We found no significant statistical relation between the side of deviation and the initial side of the fungal disease. We recommend screening for early manifestations of AIFS in similar debilitated patients; with high degrees of nasal septum deviation for considering it as an anatomical risk factor.