Rhino-orbital-cerebral Mucormycosis Research Articles

COVID-19-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis: a single center prospective study of 264 patients

ABSTRACT Purpose Outbreaks of mucormycosis were reported worldwide throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We report clinical outcomes of a treatment protocol for COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). Methods Patients with biopsy-proven mucormycosis and COVID-19 were included. All received intravenous amphotericin B deoxycholate 1 mg/kg and surgical endoscopic sinus debridement (FESS). Those with rhino-orbital or cerebral disease limited to the cavernous sinus were eligible for transcutaneous retrobulbar amphotericin B (TRAMB). Patients were followed with weekly imaging, endoscopic examinations, and serial debridement as necessary. Patients were discharged on oral posaconazole for 6 months. Results In total, 264 patients were followed for a mean of 2.5 months. On presentation, 163 patients (174 eyes) had eye involvement. Of these, 141 eyes (81.0%) had light perception or worse vision. By the last follow-up, 163 patients (176 eyes) were affected, and of these, 96 eyes (54.5%) had no light perception. Twenty-one patients (8%) died and 3 orbits (0.5%) were exenterated. There was no change in mortality (p = 0.38) or exenteration (p = 0.38) in the 55 patients who received TRAMB compared to patients with rhino-orbital or cerebral disease limited to the cavernous sinus who did not. Asymptomatic COVID-19 was associated with higher mortality than symptomatic COVID-19 (p = 0.025). Uncontrolled diabetes was a risk factor for death (p = 0.022). New diabetes was associated with increased mortality versus pre-existing diabetes (p = 0.005). Conclusion A multidisciplinary approach is crucial to manage COVID-19-ROCM. In our cohort, TRAMB therapy did not increase mortality or exenteration rates. While poor vision on presentation was profound, some vision recovery was noted with treatment. COVID-19 immune dysregulation may predispose patients to ROCM, particularly those with asymptomatic disease.

Diagnosis of mucormycosis from nasal swabs using commercial PCR platforms; a feasible alternative?

Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is linked to uncontrolled diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, iron overload, corticosteroid therapy, and neutropenia. This study evaluated a commercial real-time PCR system's effectiveness in detecting Mucorales from nasal swabs in 50 high-risk patients. Nasal swab PCR showed 30% positivity, compared to 8% with KOH microscopy. Despite its improved sensitivity, nasal swab PCR has limitations, highlighting the importance of established sampling methods in mucormycosis diagnosis. Participants were predominantly male (64%), with diabetes (78%) and amphotericin B use (96%). Prior COVID-19 was 42%, with 30% positive for Mucorales by PCR, compared to 8% with KOH microscopy.

Multicenter and multimodal imaging study reveals rare fundus lesions in patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection

To define the characteristics of fundus manifestations in patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection with multimodal imaging techniques. This is a retrospective multicenter and multimodal imaging study including 90 patients. All patients with a visual complaint occurring immediately after SARS-CoV-2 infection were referred to six clinics between December 2022 and February 2023. Demographic information and the temporal relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and visual symptoms were documented. The characteristics of the fundus lesions were evaluated using multimodal imaging. Ninety patients from six hospitals were included in this study, including 24 males (26.67%) and 66 (73.33%) females. Seventy-eight patients (86.66%) (146 eyes) were diagnosed with Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy (AMN). The AMN patients were primarily young women (67.95%). Sixty-eight patients (87.18%) had AMN in both eyes. Thirty-eight eyes (24.36%) included Purtscher or Purtscher-like lesions. optical coherence tomography and infrared retinal photographs can show AMN lesions well. Eleven cases were diagnosed with simple Purtscher or Purtscher-like retinopathy (2 cases, 2.22%), Vogt‒Koyanagi‒Harada (VKH) syndrome or VKH-like uveitis (3 cases, 3.33%), multiple evanescent white-dot syndrome (MEWDS) (2 cases, 2.22%), and rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) (5 cases, 5.56%). After SARS-CoV-2 infection, diversified fundus lesions were evident in patients with visual complaints. In this report, AMN was the dominant manifestation, followed by Purtscher or Purtscher-like retinopathy, MEWDS, VKH-like uveitis, and ROCM.

A Retrospective Study of Imaging of Invasive Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis in the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Care Center.

Aim The study aims to analyze the imaging findings of invasive rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) in patients who had COVID-19. Materials and methods This retrospective descriptive study was done on confirmed (culture and histopathology) patients who had a COVID-19 infection. The data was collected from the record section from May 2021 to June 2021. Imaging data were analyzed, and findings were tabulated according to statistical methods. Results Radiological evaluation, including CT and MRI, was done in 48 cases. The ethmoid sinus was the most common sinus involved in 60.41% of cases, followed by the maxillary sinus (52.09%). Unilateral pansinusitis was observed in 21 cases (43.75%). Among periantral extensions, retroantral fat involvement was the most common finding, seen in 24 cases (50%). Lamina papyracea and the walls of the maxillary sinus were involved in eight cases (16.67%). A total of 38 cases (79.17%) exhibited involvement of the extraconal compartment, while 32 cases (66.67%) showed involvement of the intraconal compartment. In intracranial involvement, infarct was noted in 13 cases (27%), and cavernous sinus involvement in nine cases (18.75%). Conclusions ROCM is a life-threatening fungal infection in immunocompromised patients, especially diabetics. Imaging of ROCM plays a pivotal role in early diagnosis, the extent of disease, surgical planning, prognosis, and the response to treatment. Radiologists must know the imaging features and patterns of extension of ROCM.

Headache and Vision Loss as Initial Symptoms for an Acute Invasive Rhino-orbital-cerebral Mucormycosis

Background: Acute invasive rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is a rare fungal infection commonly caused by Rhizopus species. It occurs in immune- compromised individuals who have acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), leukemia, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, or organ transplant patients who are on immunosuppressive therapy. Diagnosing invasive ROCM is challenging because its clinical presentation can be nonspecific, and it is not frequently observed in ophthalmic practices. Case Report: A 66-year-old Hispanic male with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus presented with the complaint of severe headache and retrobulbar pain in the right eye. An ophthalmic examination revealed normal ocular health in both eyes. Computerized tomography scan showed mild inflammatory mucosal thickening in the sinuses. Initially, he was diagnosed and treated for giant cell arteritis. The patient’s vision deteriorated to no light perception in the right eye with persistent 10 out of 10 headache and eye pain despite various treatments. Further evaluation revealed ROCM involving the sphenoid sinus. This was confirmed by a positive smear and culture of Rhizopus species from the sinus and from the patient’s symptoms improving with antifungal treatment. Conclusion: Sphenoid sinusitis is an unusual site of involvement with ROCM. The absence of nasal drainage adds to the difficulty of diagnosis without contrast imaging. Although rare, acute invasive ROCM should always be considered in any uncontrolled diabetic or immunosuppressed patient with acute headache and vision loss.

Headache and Vision Loss as Initial Symptoms for an Acute Invasive Rhino-orbital-cerebral Mucormycosis

Background: Acute invasive rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is a rare fungal infection commonly caused by Rhizopus species. It occurs in immune- compromised individuals who have acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), leukemia, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, or organ transplant patients who are on immunosuppressive therapy. Diagnosing invasive ROCM is challenging because its clinical presentation can be nonspecific, and it is not frequently observed in ophthalmic practices. Case Report: A 66-year-old Hispanic male with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus presented with the complaint of severe headache and retrobulbar pain in the right eye. An ophthalmic examination revealed normal ocular health in both eyes. Computerized tomography scan showed mild inflammatory mucosal thickening in the sinuses. Initially, he was diagnosed and treated for giant cell arteritis. The patient’s vision deteriorated to no light perception in the right eye with persistent 10 out of 10 headache and eye pain despite various treatments. Further evaluation revealed ROCM involving the sphenoid sinus. This was confirmed by a positive smear and culture of Rhizopus species from the sinus and from the patient’s symptoms improving with antifungal treatment. Conclusion: Sphenoid sinusitis is an unusual site of involvement with ROCM. The absence of nasal drainage adds to the difficulty of diagnosis without contrast imaging. Although rare, acute invasive ROCM should always be considered in any uncontrolled diabetic or immunosuppressed patient with acute headache and vision loss.

Headache and Vision Loss as Initial Symptoms for an Acute Invasive Rhino-orbital-cerebral Mucormycosis

Background: Acute invasive rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is a rare fungal infection commonly caused by Rhizopus species. It occurs in immune- compromised individuals who have acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), leukemia, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, or organ transplant patients who are on immunosuppressive therapy. Diagnosing invasive ROCM is challenging because its clinical presentation can be nonspecific, and it is not frequently observed in ophthalmic practices. Case Report: A 66-year-old Hispanic male with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus presented with the complaint of severe headache and retrobulbar pain in the right eye. An ophthalmic examination revealed normal ocular health in both eyes. Computerized tomography scan showed mild inflammatory mucosal thickening in the sinuses. Initially, he was diagnosed and treated for giant cell arteritis. The patient’s vision deteriorated to no light perception in the right eye with persistent 10 out of 10 headache and eye pain despite various treatments. Further evaluation revealed ROCM involving the sphenoid sinus. This was confirmed by a positive smear and culture of Rhizopus species from the sinus and from the patient’s symptoms improving with antifungal treatment. Conclusion: Sphenoid sinusitis is an unusual site of involvement with ROCM. The absence of nasal drainage adds to the difficulty of diagnosis without contrast imaging. Although rare, acute invasive ROCM should always be considered in any uncontrolled diabetic or immunosuppressed patient with acute headache and vision loss.

Rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis : Case report and its approach at Central Military Hospital of Mexico

Mucormycosis is a disease with a high percentage of mortality. This opportunistic disease is caused by pathogens of the Zygomicota family of the order Mucorales, which affect considerably, mainly immunocompromised patients. We present the case of a patient approached at the Central Military Hospital of Mexico, diagnosed with rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis, with histopathological report of non-septated hyaline hyphae of 90º, referring to the aforementioned diagnosis. A multidisciplinary approach to the pathology was carried out with diagnosis, timely medical and surgical treatment, achieving a favorable evolution and prognosis in a condition whose outcome is usually fatal.

Role of Imaging Spectrum Along With Other Diagnostic Modalities in Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis (ROCM).

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM), a rare angio-invasive fungal infection, had become a major outbreak during the second wave of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in India, with over 28,000 reported cases. The purpose of this study was to describe the imaging spectrum of ROCM, which may prove useful in prompt diagnosis, considering its grave prognosis in populations with a high load of immunosuppressed patients (e.g., COVID-19, HIV-AIDS, etc.). Evaluation of the clinical data and imaging of patients with symptoms suspicious of mucormycosis of the craniofacial region was done. The diagnosis was made using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, a biopsy, and culture. The data analysis was done using descriptive statistical methods. The sample group consisted of a total of 36 patients ranging from 33 years to 75 years of age, out of which 31 (86.11%) were male and five (13.8%) were female. A total of 30 (83.33%) patients had a positive correlation with COVID-19 infection, and 29 (80.55%) patients had a positive correlation with diabetes. The major presenting complaints were facial pain and swelling (20 patients; 55.55%). The intracranial spread was seen in 14 (38.88%) patients. Our study demonstrated a mortality rate of 38.88% (14 patients). ROCM, once considered to occur predominantly in diabetics, is increasingly being seen in other immunosuppressive patients, such as COVID-19. CT and MR imaging help provide an early diagnosis in conjunction with pathologic and microbiological correlations. Immediate correction of immunosuppression with the initiation of amphotericin B therapy combined with extensive and diligent surgical debridement of the diseased tissue is required.

Bell’s palsy: a case report of unusual presentation in a patient with rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis

BackgroundMucormycosis is a fungal infection caused by the Mucorales order of fungi. This fungus is commonly found in soil and can cause disease in immunocompromised patients. On the other hand, Bell’s palsy is an idiopathic condition that results in the sudden onset of unilateral facial muscle weakness, affecting the facial nerve.Case presentationA 51-year-old Persian housewife with a history of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus presented with a splitting headache that had been ongoing for 1 week and an inability to close her left eye or make facial expressions on the left side of her face. The patient’s vital signs were normal, but physical examination revealed a yellow-grey scar on the left side of her hard palate and Bell’s palsy on the left side. A neurological examination showed that she could move both eyes but could not close her left eye, move up her left eyebrow, or smile. Further investigations were performed, including laboratory tests, radiologic imaging, and functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The patient underwent three rounds of debridement for bony erosion in the medial and posterior walls of the left maxillary sinus and the hard palate. Pathological examination confirmed mucormycosis infection in the hard palate and mucosa.ConclusionFungal infection must be considered a potential diagnosis for immunocompromised adults who exhibit symptoms of Bell’s palsy.

TO ASSESS THE ROLE OF RANDOM BLOOD SUGAR IN MONITORING OF PATIENTS DEVELOPING MUCORMYCOSIS

Introduction:Rhinoorbital Cerebral mucormycosis caused by fungi of family mucoracea is seen in covid era.Patients at risk for fatal illness is sharply rising because of increased incidence of diabetes. To identify its association and further stop the onset or progression of mucormycosis, we evaluated Random Blood Sugar (RBS) levels in patients who had developed the disease in this study. Materials and Methods:A total of 63 patients who developed Mucormycosis between April 2021 to October 2021 and enrolled in the department of ENT, SAMC and PGI Indore. We evaluated role of Blood sugars in patients developing Mucormycosis and identified the improvement in recovery of Mucormycosis patients after sugar monitoring and early management. Result: Total 63 patients were reviewed against the guidelines for sugar levels set by American Diabetes Association. There was mortality in 10 out of 63 patients (15.87%).All of these patients were from the group of DM with Uncontrolled sugars. There was uneventful transfer from our side to medical side for medical management in 53 out of 63 patients. Conclusion:The study highlights correcting the practice of monitoring blood sugar and its management. Early diagnosis, Early monitoring and Early Management is the key to better prognosis.

Value of Imprint Cytology for the Rapid Diagnosis of Mucormycosis in the COVID-19 Pandemic Setting - A Pilot Study.

The second wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic recorded a surge in rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) infection in COVID-19-positive patients with diabetes and on concomitant steroid therapy. The rapidly progressive and devastating nature of the disease necessitated prompt diagnosis and early intervention to improve patient outcomes. Histopathology and fungal culture remain essential tools; however, these investigations have long and variable turn-around times (TATs) and may delay the initiation of treatment. Frozen section is not widely available and should be avoided in COVID-19-positive cases due to the risk of aerosol production and droplet exposure. In cases with high clinicoradiologic suspicion for mucormycosis, imprint cytologic evaluation provides a rapid diagnosis. Familiarity with fungal cytomorphology, awareness of morphologic pitfalls, and implementation of a standardized reporting format aid in diagnostic accuracy. Eighteen COVID-19-positive patients, who were admitted to our hospital with clinical suspicion of mucormycosis during June and July 2021, were included in the study. We used nasal or oral imprint cytology for the initial, rapid detection of Mucor. Cytology findings were correlated with histopathology and fungal culture results. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 100%, 100%, 100% and 100%, respectively. This study showed that imprint cytology can be a rapid, cost-effective, first-line diagnostic modality in Mucor diagnosis.

A Comparison Between Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) Microscopy and Culture for the Detection of Post-COVID-19 Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis.

Background and objective Mucormycosis is an emerging and serious angioinvasive infection caused by filamentous fungi related to the order of Mucorales and the class of Mucormycetes. There was a marked increase in the number of cases of mucormycosis in India following the second wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the year 2021. In this study, we aimed to compare potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy with culture for the detection of post-COVID-19 rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). Materials and methods The KOH microscopy was performed with a 10% or 20% KOH-mounted slide with specimens collected from suspected cases of post-COVID-19 ROCM. Simultaneously, the culture was done on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). These were incubated at 37 ℃ and 25℃for 28 days. Diagnostic parameters were calculated by comparing KOH with gold standard culture. Results KOH mount was positive for broad aseptate fungal hyphae in 322 (54.1%) cases, while it was negative in 244 (41.0%) cases. KOH mount was positive for other fungi in 29 (4.8%) samples. The diagnostic accuracy of the KOH mount for Mucorales was 70.3%. KOH mount had asensitivity of 84.9%, specificity of 61.5%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 56.9%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 87.2%. Conclusions Based on our findings, the KOH microscopy positivity rate was higher in tissue samples compared to nasal swabs, with a sensitivity of 84.9%, specificity of 61.5%, PPV of 56.9%, and NPV of 87.2%. The overall diagnostic accuracy of the KOH mount for Mucorales was 70.3%.

The Study of Clinical Profile of Patients With Mucormycosis During COVID-19 Pandemic in Tertiary Care Hospital.

Mucormycosis has gained a huge number of cases in the second wave of post COVID-19 infection, which may be attributed to increased awareness, advancement in diagnostic techniques, and an increase in the prevalence of predisposing factors. This study evaluated the pattern, risk factors, and clinical profile of patients with mucormycosis during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Emergency Medicine of a dedicated tertiary care hospital for COVID-19. The Institutional Ethics Committee approved the study. One hundred five patients diagnosed with mucormycosis were included from June 2021 to December 2021. Informed consent was obtained from the patients. Data on demography, clinical features, predisposing factors, co-morbid conditions, and microbiological samples were obtained and analyzed. Out of 105 patients, 71 were male, and 34 were female. The patient presented with mucormycosis between the 2nd and 3rd week of post COVID-19 infection. Incidence was mainly seen in patients in their fifties, mostly associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) (53.30%), oxygen administration (80%), and previous use of steroids (45.71%). Predominantly, males were more affected.The most common presentation was headache (50.47%), orbital pain with restricted ocular movement (47.67%), proptosis (42.85%), and diminished vision (41.90%). Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) was themost common presentation of mucormycosis, while only five cases of pulmonary mucormycosis were found. ROCM was the most common presentation of mucormycosis between the second and thirdweek of post COVID-19 infection. Diabetes mellitus and inadvertent use of steroids were major predisposing factors. Therefore, a high degree of suspicion and early diagnosis with initiation of treatment is warranted in cases of mucormycosis in post COVID-19 infection.

Prosthodontic Rehabilitation's Role in Alleviating Anxiety and Depression in Mucormycosis-Induced Maxillectomy Patients Post-COVID-19.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the influence of maxillofacial prosthodontic rehabilitation on anxiety/depression severity in patients with rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) after maxillectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty post-mucormycotic patients treated with maxillectomy (33 males, 27 females) were divided into 5 groups based on maxillectomy types (unilateral/bilateral, subtotal/total) and treatment given (psychotherapy/obturator/implant/orbital/ocular prosthesis). Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using appearance anxiety inventory (AAI) and patient health questionnaire (PHQ9). Data were collected at 4 time intervals [T0 (before prosthesis), T1 (2 weeks after prosthesis), T2 (6 months) and T3 (1 year). Frequency distribution and mean values were determined for individual group/subgroups/total cohort. Differences between groups were determined using one-way ANOVA (single-factor/Friedman's) followed by post hoc correction (Bonferroni) and t test for unequal variance with probability P value being statistically significant at <0.05. RESULTS The mean scores for appearance anxiety were 29.13±4.72 (diagnostic for existing body dysmorphic disorder) at T0, which decreased to 16.88±3.02 at T3 for the total cohort. The differences for the gender-based cohort, its various groups, and respective subgroups were significant (P<0.05) at various time intervals. The mean scores in the total cohort for depression symptom severity were 16.81±4.89 (moderately severe) at T0, which increased to 18.5±4.94 at T1, followed by reduction at T2 (12.0±4.43; moderate) and T3 (7.38±3.37; mild). Gender differences for both variables were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Comprehensive rehabilitation that included a diagnosis of psychological symptoms followed by psychotherapeutic/pharmacotherapeutic/prosthodontic intervention reduced the anxiety/depression symptom levels to normal at 1 year.

Imaging spectrum in rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis: a cross-sectional study.

Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is a life-threatening condition caused by a saprophytic fungus that predominately affecting immune-compromised patients. Early diagnosis of ROCM is of utmost importance to start the treatment as early as possible to prevent early and horrible complications of the disease. This retrospective study evaluated the imaging findings of 21 patients with biopsy and KOH mount-based evidence of invasive ROCM. The imaging was obtained from a Siemens Magnetom Amira 1.5T system with a strength of 1.5T or more. The spectrum of findings was evaluated for the sites of involvement, signal intensity, contrast characteristics, necrotic component as well as orbital, infratemporal, and intracranial extensions, especially cavernous sinuses, Meckel's cave, and the brain parenchyma. The mean age of the patients was 55.8±10.9 years and included 71% male. All the patients were positive for COVID-19 and the majority were diabetic. MRI showed predominant involvement of the maxillary sinus (17, 81%) and the ethmoidal sinus (15, 71.4%). The orbital extension was present in 18 cases (86%). T1-weighted imaging showed iso to low signal intensity in involved sinuses in the majority of the patients (9, 42.9%). Heterogeneously high signal intensity was observed in T2-weighted and short tau inversion recovery images in all the patients. Heterogenous contrast enhancement was present in 20 (95.2%) patients. The imaging spectrum of ROCM is variable. Multiplanar MRI with postcontrast images is a very useful complementary tool to the clinical evaluation to assess the extent of disease and its complications, which has a high mortality. Clinicians and radiologists should be aware of the imaging spectrums of ROCM.

Spectrum of neurological involvement in mucormycosis following COVID 19: A single tertiary centre study

Background: This study aims to describe the clinical and imaging spectrum of neurological involvement in rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) following COVID. In this observational study, all patients with confirmed COVID associated mucormycosis were recruited. Consecutive patients with neurological signs and symptoms or patients with evidence of neurological involvement based on imaging were evaluated. MRI of brain and paranasal sinuses were done in 3T MRI scanner and evaluated by a radiologist. Results: A total of 182 patients were recruited into the study out of which 72 (39.56%) patients had neurological involvement. The mean age of the patients was 50.31±11.06 (Range: 33-83) years. A male preponderance was noted with 56 (74.67%) patients being male. The commonest symptom reported was unilateral vision impairment and periorbital swelling. Patients were noted to have both fulminant and indolent course of illness. Clinical evidence of neurological and orbital involvement was observed in 33 and 55 patients, respectively. Meningeal involvement (50%) was the commonest imaging finding noted in our study. Other common findings noted were skull- based osteomyelitis (44.44%), cavernous sinus thrombosis (29.17%), intracranial abscess (27.78%), cerebritis (22.22%), infarcts (33.33%), neuritis and intracranial haemorrhage (2.78%). Conclusion: This study reports one of the largest single centre cohorts with neurological findings in COVID associated mucormycosis. COVID associated mucormycosis can present with plethora of neurological manifestations in imaging, such as infarct, intracranial and extracranial abscess, neuritis and nerve abscess, sinus thrombosis that may or may not be accompanied by focal neurological deficit corresponding to the anatomical involvement.

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis during Covid-19 pandemic- a prospective observational study

ObjectiveAn unprecedented rise in mucormycosis cases; apparently called ‘an epidemic within a pandemic’ was seen worldwide. Therefore, the following study was conducted to know the epidemiology, underlying risk factors, diagnostic approach, and possible outcome of mucormycosis during the Covid-19 pandemic. MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted on patients with a high index of clinical suspicion of mucormycosis Data about demographics, co-morbidities, laboratory investigations, radiology, management, and outcomes were collected. ResultsWe got 45 cases of proven Rhino-orbital-cerebral-mucormycosis (ROCM) from clinically suspected cases. Covid-19 was the most common underlying risk factor (n ​= ​41, 91.11%) followed by Diabetes mellitus (DM) (n ​= ​39; 86.67%). Steroids and oxygen usage were noted in 53.66% (n ​= ​22) and 41.46% (n ​= ​17) respectively. Among the 51 suspected cases of mucormycosis, 47 were supported by radiodiagnosis. Histopathology diagnosed the highest number of mucormycosis cases (n ​= ​44; 97.78%), followed by KOH examination (n ​= ​36; 80%) and Culture (n ​= ​28; 62.22%). The most common species isolated from the tissue samples was Rhizopus species (n ​= ​17; 60.71%), followed by Mucor species (n ​= ​7; 25%). The mortality rate was 17.14%. ConclusionDM, Covid-19, and corticosteroids are the chief underlying risk factor for ROCM. Rhizopus spp. was the most dominant etiological agent. Early diagnosis and management with combined medical & surgical intervention have a better survival rate.

Mucormycosis: A 14-Year Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Center in Lebanon.

Mucormycosis (MCM) is a serious invasive fungal disease (IFD) that is associated with high mortality, particularly in immunocompromised patients. A global surge in MCM cases was reported with the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed all recorded cases of MCM at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), a tertiary care center in Lebanon, over 14 years. We aimed to identify the incidence, seasonal variation, clinical characteristics of the patients, and predictors of mortality. We conducted a retrospective chart review between 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2023. All patients with proven or probable MCM were included in the study. Proven or probable MCM was defined by positive histopathology and/or positive cultures. A total of 43 patients were identified as having MCM. Their median age was 53 years, and the majority were males (58.1%). Most of the cases were diagnosed in the autumn season. In total, 67.4% of the patients had hematological malignancies (HMs), and 34.9% had uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM). The most common site of involvement was rhino-orbital-cerebral MCM (ROCM) (74%). The annual cases of MCM per 100,000 patient days increased markedly during the years of the COVID-19 pandemic (from 0 to 4.4 cases/100,000 patient days to 7.5 cases/100,000 during 2020 and 2021). Liposomal amphotericin (Ampho) B was used as a first-line agent in most of the patients (86%). The median duration of total in-hospital antifungal therapy was 21 days and 51.2% of the patients received step-down therapy with azoles. Surgical debridement and isolated ROCM were significantly associated with survival (p-value: 0.02 and <0.001, respectively). All-cause mortality was 46.7%, with chronic renal disease being significantly associated with mortality (p-value < 0.05). The incidence of MCM has been increasing at our institution, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Early diagnosis, treatment, and surgical debridement improve patient outcomes and overall survival.

Influence of Prosthodontic Rehabilitation Using Zygomatic Implants in Covid 19 Related Mucormycosis (Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral) Maxillectomy Patients Upon Post-Operative Stress, Anxiety and Functional Impairment: A Prospective Cohort Study.

To determine the influence of prosthodontic rehabilitation using zygomatic implants in partial maxillectomy upon post-operative stress, anxiety and functional impairment, due to covid 19 associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). Twenty maxillectomy patients fulfilling study criterion, received zygomatic implants (ZI) (quad zygoma) (ZDI Simpladent, Switzerland) retained/supported complete maxillary denture. Assessment of stress, anxiety, masticatory performance and speech were determined using diurnal salivary cortisol level, Appearance Anxiety Inventory, multiple sieve technique and auditory perception analysis, respectively. Data were recorded at 6 different stages of rehabilitation (after maxillectomy, implant placement, and after prosthesis delivery (1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year)). Demographic data were expressed as frequency distribution, while mean values were used to find differences between various rehabilitation stages using Friedman and chi-square test with statistical significance value at p < 0.05. Average daily salivary cortisol levels declined from post maxillectomy (22.80 ± 0.902) to 1 year after prosthesis wearing (8.65 ± 0.985), indicating stress reduction after ZI rehabilitation. Mean scores for appearance anxiety reduced from pre-prosthetic rehabilitation (27.350 ± 3.030) to 1 year (8.950 ± 0.887) following prosthesis wearing. Functional parameters for mastication and speech also improved significantly during the course of rehabilitation. All differences between pre-prosthetic to 1-year stage after prosthesis wearing were found to be statistically significant at p < 0.05. Post ROCM maxillectomy cases after prosthetic rehabilitation using zygomatic implants showed significant improvement in the psychological (stress and anxiety) as well as function (mastication and speech) characteristics. Rehabilitation post ROCM maxillectomy with the present approach of fixed prosthesis using zygomatic implants mitigates deficient mastication and speech. It also impacts positively on patient psychology by decreasing stress and anxiety.