Post COVID-19 Sino-Orbital Mucormycosis: A Therapeutic Challenge

• Published in: Pakistan Armed Forces medical journal 2022-02, Vol.72 (1), p.177
• Main Authors: Muhammad Adnan, Shahid, Muhammad, Muhammad Awais, Syed Abid Hassan Naqvi, Ghani, Muhammad Usman, Umer Ijaz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Fatalities; Fungal infections; Health aspects; Mortality; Mucormycosis
• ISSN: 0030-9648; 2411-8842
• DOI: 10.51253/pafmj.v72i1.7454

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the frequency of sino-orbital mucormycosis outcomes in diagnosed patients of COVID-19 and its association with the duration of the disease. Study Design: Case series. Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from Feb to Jul 2021. Methodology: A sample size of 20 was calculated using WHO calculator. Diagnosed patients of COVID-19 who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected through consecutive sampling technique. The mode of presentation, in-depth imaging findings, associated co-morbidities and management/follow up details were collected. Results: Total 20 patients were included in study. There were 12 (60%) male and 8 (40%) female. Mean age of patients was 60.4 ± 9.8 years. Outcomes of study were treatment, still of follow up, mortality and mortality with sepsis, survival and exenteration (15%, 15%, 25%, 5%, 25% 15% respectively). Among all the patients, 2(10%) patients showed intraconal and extraconal orbital involvement, 9 (45%) showed left, 8 (40%) showed right and 1(5%) showed both orbits involvement. Outcomes of sino-orbital mucormycosis showed significant association with COVID-19 duration (p=0.03). Conclusion: Sino-Orbital mucormycosis is a common and potentially life-threatening complication of COVID-19. Early initiation of anti-fungal treatment as well as surgical intervention are key to decrease both the mortality and morbidity associated with the disease.