Study of Clinical Findings and Treatment Outcomes of Rhino-OrbitalCerebral Mucormycosis at a Tertiary Care Center in Central India

Abstract

BACKGROUND Mucormycosis is a potentially lethal angioinvasive fungal infection. Increasing incidence of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis in setting of corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) during second wave in India and elsewhere has become a matter of immediate concern. This study was done to assess the clinical findings and treatment outcomes of rhino-orbital-cerebral-mucormycosis presenting to a tertiary care center in central India. METHODS This is a longitudinal study. We observed 38 COVID-19 associated mucormycosis cases. Their demographic data, clinical manifestations, underlying systemic conditions, microbiological and radiological reports, medical treatments and surgical interventions were recorded and analysed. RESULTS Common ocular presenting features were ophthalmoplegia (68 %), proptosis (44 %), periorbital swelling (13 %), diminution of vision (37 %), central retinal arterial occlusion (2.5 %), optic atrophy (2.5 %). Visual acuity at 1 month after surgery was compared with that at presentation and was found unchanged in 27 patients, improved in 3 patients and deteriorated in 6 patients. Functional outcome was evaluated in terms of ocular movements, and it was found that ocular movements were same as presentation in 30 patients, improved in 3 patients and deteriorated in 3 patients at follow up one month after surgery. Radiological outcome was evaluated, and it was found that residual disease was present in 4 patients and absent in 32 patients. Mortality was found in 2 patients at 1 month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS Early diagnosis, blood sugar levels control, urgent systemic antifungal therapy and sinus debridement surgery are lifesaving in cases of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis. KEYWORDS Mucormycosis, COVID-19, Diabetes Mellitus, Ophthalmoplegia, Orbital Apex Syndrome, Orbital Cellulitis, Proptosis