Our experience of rare otolaryngological complications of coronavirus infection

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 disease can lead to serious complications of the ENT organs. Among them are the developments of aseptic thrombosis of the arteries of the ENT organs and face, as well as auditory dysfunction. Purpose: to investigate changes in auditory function and blood supply to the ENT organs of patients which underwent coronavirus COVID-19. Materials and methods: examination and treatment of patients with complications of coronavirus infection: facial soft tissue thrombosis (2) and auditory dysfunction (38). The results obtained: Coronavirus infection in two patients resulted in thrombosis of the soft branches of the internal and external carotid arteries with the development of necrosis of the mucous membrane of the lateral wall of the nose, nasal sinuses, septum and palate, which required surgical treatment. Acute sensorineural hearing loss with an increase in thresholds of sound perception to 40 dB was observed in 23 (60.5%) patients, and most of them (19 people) suffered from severe coronavirus infection and received comprehensive treatment (hormones, anticoagulants, etc.). Hearing loss with an increase in the threshold of sound perception to 40-60 dB was determined in 15 (39.5%) patients, of whom only 5 underwent severe COVID-19. Conclusions: Patients who have undergone a coronavirus infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus may develop otolaryngological complications in the form of auditory dysfunction or arterial thrombosis. More severe bilateral damage to the auditory analyzer occurs in patients who underwent mild COVID-19 and did not receive anti-inflammatory therapy. The use of glucocorticoids and anticoagulants for the treatment of coronavirus infection on time prevents the development of complications from the auditory analyzer and blood coagulation system.