BACKGROUND: It has been reported worldwide that patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 usually suffer a loss of smell and taste. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between the severity of the disease and the loss of smell and taste. In addition, we evaluated patients' smell and taste functions after recovery. METHODS: Between March and May 2020, 418 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were divided into 3 groups: home-quarantined, hospitalized, and intensive care patients. The disease, smell, and taste functions of patients were evaluated with visual analog scores before diagnosis of COVID-19, during the disease, and fourth week after recovery. The types of smell loss and types of taste flavor loss occurring during the disease were questioned. RESULTS: In all 3 groups, changes in smell and taste loss during the disease were statistically detected (Pâ=â0.001). The smell loss rates determined in groups 1 to 3 were 45%, 43.7%, and 31.2%, respectively. The taste loss rates determined in groups 1 to 3were 46.6%, 32.1%, and 31.2% respectively. The rate of patients with a total recovery of smell loss in groups 1 to 3 were 95.5%, 93.7%, and 100%, respectively (Pâ=â0.768). The rate of patients with a total recovery of taste loss in groups 1 to 3 were 97.1%, 91.4%, and 100%, respectively (Pâ=â0.423). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 causes significant loss of smell and taste in patients. The loss of smell and taste does not correlate with the severity of COVID-19 disease. The loss of smell and taste improves at a high rate after the disease.

Assessment of Smell and Taste Disorders in COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Study.

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is a benign vascular lesion that is formally diagnosed on histopathology. IPEH seldom presents in periocular tissues and is even less commonly seen deep within the orbit. As with cavernous hemangioma, this lesion tends to distort surrounding structures and can cause a significant mass effect in the orbit. The authors present an unusual case of orbital IPEH that resulted in severe proptosis and progressive vision loss from optic nerve compression. In toto surgical excision of the lesion resulted in significant recovery of vision loss and resolution of symptoms associated with proptosis. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first to illustrate the potential for visual recovery after surgery in a patient with compressive optic neuropathy from orbital IPEH.

Intravascular Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia as a Cause of Reversible Vision Loss.

Introduction Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is a rare proliferation of endothelial cells with uncertain etiology related to thrombus formation. Diagnosis is usually confirmed histopathologically. This condition has been previously described in the periocular region but not in the conjunctiva. Methods It is a retrospective case series in which we evaluated seven patients with histopathologically confirmed IPEH cases. Data regarding the demographics, clinical presentation, radiological description, histopathological features including any IHC staining, suspected underlying vascular etiology, management options, and follow up outcome were collected. Results A total of seven cases of histologically confirmed IPEH were included. Five out of seven patients were male (71.4%). The age range was between 6 and 69 years with a median age of 36 years. Three cases involved the eyelid (42.8%) and another three were found in the conjunctiva (42.8%). Pre-existing underlying vascular lesions were observed in all patients, five malformations (mostly lymphatic-venous) and two conjunctival hemorrhagic lymphangiectasis. All cases were treated with excisional biopsy with no signs of recurrence within an average of 7 months follow up. Conclusions Periocular IPEH is a rare tumor that is likely to coexist with underlying vascular lesions and thrombus formation. We are reporting its existence in the conjunctiva for the first time. Therefore, pathologists should be aware of the histopathological spectrum of this lesion.

Periocular intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia: A retrospective study.

Purpose: The angular vein extends between the supraorbital and supratrochlear veins superiorly and the facial vein inferiorly. Rarely, this vessel can be involved by infections, vascular malformations, or benign tumors. In this study, we report both our experience and the published literature on angular vein disorders. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on patients seen between 2008 and 2022. The medical literature was searched for reports of conditions affecting the angular vein. Results: During the study period, we encountered 5 patients with angular vein disorders. Information from these patients was combined with 18 published cases. Among the 23 patients, the diagnosis was confused with lacrimal drainage abnormalities in 52%, and 57% underwent imaging. “Swelling” or a palpable, moveable mass were frequent findings. Pain or tenderness was experienced by 43.5% of patients. Five patients were observed, and 2 infections were treated with antibiotics. The remaining 16 lesions were successfully treated with excision (n = 15) or cauterization (n = 1), without complications. Final diagnosis included 14 vascular malformations (isolated varix: 7, thrombosis: 6, cavernous venous malformation: 1), 7 vascular tumors (intravenous pyogenic granulomas: 6, intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia: 1) and thrombophlebitis (n = 2). Conclusions: Disorders of the angular vein are uncommon and frequently misdiagnosed as lacrimal abnormalities. While these lesions can frequently be identified on clinical findings, imaging can be helpful in some cases. Patients with suspected thrombophlebitis require urgent antibiotic therapy. Minimally symptomatic angular vein lesions can be observed. Surgical excision is effective in treating the different vascular malformations and tumors affecting this structure. Disorders of the angular vein are uncommon and frequently misdiagnosed. When symptomatic, these conditions are effectively treated by excision of the involved venous segment.

Disorders of the Angular Vein

Intravascular papillary endotelial hiperplasia, the unusual diagnosis of an orbital mass

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is a benign vascular lesion, typically found in the skin, consisting of a papillary proliferation of endothelial cells intimately related to a thrombus; it appears to be a rare variant of an organizing process. IPEH very rarely develops in the periocular region, with fewer than 20 such cases currently reported in the English language literature. We describe one of the largest ever case series of this uncommon lesion occurring in the periocular region and discuss its clinical features, imaging characteristics, and surgical management.

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia of the periocular region

A 52-year-old woman with a 7-month history of a left lateral upper eyelid nodule presented with an acute, 1-day history of left upper eyelid swelling and erythema associated with chemosis, epiphora, and pain. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a well-circumscribed cystic mass indistinguishable from the left lacrimal gland containing a fluid-fluid level. Surgery confirmed an abscess within the lacrimal gland; histopathologic examination revealed a dilated lacrimal duct with an inflammatory exudate within the lumen. This report details one of the few reported cases of an acute lacrimal gland ductal cyst abscess and, to the authors' knowledge, the first with MR images.

Huey-Jen Lee

Papers

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia of the periocular region

Lacrimal Gland Ductal Cyst Complicated by Abscess Formation.