Department of Ophthalmology, Darab Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Darab Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Iran J Med Sci. 2023 Jan;48(1):102-105. doi: 10.30476/ijms.2021.90473.2143.
Nasal swab tests are widely used to screen for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Pain, discomfort, and the urge to sneeze are the most common complications of this screening method. We report a case of a 55-year-old female patient with beta-thalassemia major suffering from a nasal septal abscess (NSA) as a complication of a COVID-19 nasal swab test. Following the test, the patient only had mild nasal congestion. However, three days later, her clinical condition deteriorated, and she developed fever, and her level of consciousness decreased to lethargy and drowsiness. Physical examinations revealed a bilateral nasal abscess. She underwent surgical intervention, and the abscess was removed. For the first time in Iran, a case of NSA after a COVID-19 nasal swab test is reported. It is strongly recommended to exercise caution while performing nasal swab tests, especially in the elderly and patients at risk of bleeding or hemoglobinopathy.
鼻拭子检测被广泛用于筛查 2019 年冠状病毒病（COVID-19）。疼痛、不适和打喷嚏的冲动是这种筛查方法最常见的并发症。我们报告了一例患有重型β地中海贫血的 55 岁女性患者，她因 COVID-19 鼻拭子检测而患上鼻中隔脓肿（NSA）。检测后，患者只有轻微的鼻塞。然而，三天后，她的病情恶化，出现发热，意识水平下降至昏睡和嗜睡。体格检查显示双侧鼻脓肿。她接受了手术干预，脓肿被切除。这是伊朗首例 COVID-19 鼻拭子检测后发生 NSA 的病例。在进行鼻拭子检测时，特别是在老年人和有出血或血红蛋白病风险的患者中，强烈建议谨慎操作。
