ISSN - | E-ISSN -2822-2288
Eurasian Journal of Medical Advances
COVID-19 associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis: A case series [EJMA]
EJMA. Ahead of Print: EJMA-43534

COVID-19 associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis: A case series

Kai Ping Ong1, Zhi Xiang Yeoh2, Irfan Mohamad1, IDA SACHLIN2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surger, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
2Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Jalan Langgar, 05460 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia

Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis is a unique secondary infection of COVID-19 pneumonia. We reported 2 cases diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, presented with orbital swelling and ptosis without any nasal symptoms. Both patients were immunocompetent, except with a history of prolonged use of oral glucocorticoid as part of COVID-19 pneumonia treatment. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography noted skull base osteomyelitis and temporal subdural empyema. They were diagnosed with mucormycosis by either fungal PCR or tissue histopathology examination that shown to have fungal hyphae. Both cases have resolution of the symptoms after surgical debridement and at least 6 weeks of antimicrobial therapy. We discuss the contributary factors of secondary fungal infection related to COVID-19 as well as the uniqueness in these cases in term of clinical presentations and the disease progression.

Keywords: COVID 19, Mucormycosis, Fungal infection



Corresponding Author: Kai Ping Ong, Malaysia
Manuscript Language: English