Retrobulbar Amphotericin B Injections for Treatment of Invasive Sino-orbital Aspergillosis

Combination endoscopic surgical debridement and transcutaneous retrobulbar amphotericin B for acute rhino-orbital-cerebral aspergillosis

PURPOSE

To report a case of acute rhino-orbital-cerebral aspergillosis with aggressive intracranial and orbital extension co-managed medically and surgically with endoscopic sinus debridement and multiple retrobulbar injections of amphotericin B.

OBSERVATIONS

A 70-year-old male patient presented via external transfer with headaches and left ophthalmoplegia concerning for severe complicated sinusitis with intracranial and left orbital spread. His history is notable for a simultaneous heart-kidney transplant three years prior on chronic immunosuppression. Ophthalmologic examination revealed complete ophthalmoplegia in the left eye with no light perception concerning for a left orbital apex syndrome. The patient was taken to the operating room twice for endoscopic sinus debridement and three separate retrobulbar injections of amphotericin B. Fungal cultures from surgical specimens grew isolated Aspergillus fumigatus. Patient's symptoms gradually improved and repeat MRI demonstrated resolution of pansinusitis, sparing left eye exenteration.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE

Multidisciplinary management of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in the setting of profound immunosuppression poses a significant challenge. While surgical debridement remains the cornerstone approach, the achievable reduction in disease burden may be augmented by targeted retrobulbar antimicrobials.

COVID-19-Related Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis With Angioinvasion: A Lethal Sequelae

A middle-aged man with multiple comorbidities including uncontrolled diabetes mellitus presented with shortness of breath and lethargy for six days. He was treated for COVID-19 pneumonia, requiring high cumulative steroid therapy. After 15 days of treatment, he developed right orbital apex syndrome with central retinal artery occlusion secondary to invasive mucormycosis. The infection progressed rapidly despite aggressive medical treatment, systemic anti-fungal therapy along with local transcutaneous retrobulbar amphotericin B injection. We report our battle in fighting this vicious disease. Judicious use of immunomodulators in COVID-19 treatment and close monitoring is crucial, especially in high-risk patients.

Outcomes of a Modified Treatment Ladder Algorithm Using Retrobulbar Amphotericin B for Invasive Fungal Rhino-Orbital Sinusitis

PURPOSE

To assess whether a modified treatment ladder algorithm incorporating transcutaneous retrobulbar amphotericin B (TRAMB) for invasive fungal rhino-orbital sinusitis can reduce the risk of exenteration without compromising survival.

DESIGN

Retrospective, comparative clinical study with historical control subjects.

METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients with biopsy-proven invasive fungal sinusitis and radiographic evidence of orbital involvement were evaluated at a single tertiary institution from 1999-2020. TRAMB was incorporated as part of the treatment algorithm in 2015. Demographics, underlying immune derangement, infective organism, ophthalmic examination, surgical care, and survival were compared in a quasiexperimental pre-post format, dividing patients into a pre-2015 group and a post-2015 group. Risk of exenteration and mortality were the primary outcomes.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Nearly all patients underwent a surgical intervention, most commonly functional endoscopic sinus surgery with debridement. TRAMB was administered to 72.7% of the post-2015 group. Exenteration was more common in the pre-2015 group (36.4% vs 9.1% [95% confidence interval {CI} 5.2-48.8]; P = .014), while mortality was similar (40.0% vs 36.7% [95% CI -22.1 to 29.3]; P = .816). After adjusting for potential confounders, patients treated after 2015 were found to have lower risk of exenteration (relative risk 0.28 [95% CI 0.08-0.99]; P = .049) and similar risk of mortality (relative risk 1.04 [95% CI 0.50-2.16]; P = .919).

CONCLUSION

Compared with historical control subjects, patients with invasive fungal rhino-orbital sinusitis who were treated with a modified treatment ladder algorithm incorporating TRAMB had a lower risk of disfiguring exenteration without an apparent increase in the risk of mortality.

Retrobulbar injection of amphotericin B using intravenous cannula for post-COVID-19 rhino-orbital mucormycosis

Rhino-orbital mucormycosis has seen a huge resurgence in patients post COVID-19 infection. In patients with minimal orbital disease and especially with preserved vision, retrobulbar injections of amphotericin B can be of great help in controlling the disease. Instead of giving daily injections of amphotericin B using needles every time, we used an 18-gauge intravenous (IV) cannula with injection port and suture holes to deliver the amphotericin into the orbital space for a period of 5 days. Patients were more compliant and less distressed with this method compared with being given an injection with a needle daily. We got a good response in terms of orbital disease regression with this method. In our review of the literature, we did not come across any such case of amphotericin B injection using an IV cannula. Injection of amphotericin B into the orbit using an IV cannula is a viable and easy treatment option for cases of rhino-orbital mucormycosis.

Acute Invasive Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis in a Patient With COVID-19-Associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis is a rare, although highly morbid, infection primarily affecting immunosuppressed individuals. The same population is at particularly high risk of complications and mortality in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related acute respiratory distress syndrome. The authors present a case of acute invasive fungal rhino-orbital mucormycosis in a patient with COVID-19 and discuss the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of fungal coinfections in COVID-19. Prompt recognition, initiation of therapy, and consideration of the challenges of rapidly evolving COVID-19 therapy guidelines are important for improving patient survival.

A case of mistaken identity: Saksenaea vasiformis of the orbit

The authors describe a rare presentation of invasive fungal rhino-orbital cellulitis caused by Saksenaea vasiformis in an immunocompetent child. The patient was initially diagnosed and treated as Mucoraceae, which has a high mortality rate and is primarily seen in immunocompromised patients. Though of the same order, Mucorales, the families Mucoraceae and Saksenaeacae, may be difficult to differentiate on histologic examination and must be distinguished by fungal culture and speciation. Our patient responded well to sino-orbital debridement and systemic treatment with amphotericin and posaconazole.

Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) and associated cerebritis treated with adjuvant retrobulbar amphotericin B

Purpose

We report a case of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) with focal anterior cerebritis treated favorably with retrobulbar amphotericin B and systemic antifungals.

Observations

A 55-year-old diabetic male presented to the emergency department with left sided proptosis, left temple headache, maxillary sinus pain, and diplopia of 3 days duration. Biopsy results from the left middle turbinate, ethmoid, and maxillary sinus revealed broad and irregular non-septate hyphae consistent with mucormycosis. Despite treatment with intravenous antifungals and endoscopic debridement of the sinuses, his condition did not improve. Disease progression included the development of left ophthalmoplegia and left-sided cerebritis. The patient received retrobulbar injection of deoxycholate amphotericin B with eventual disease resolution, without exenteration.

Conclusions

We present a case of ROCM with associated cerebritis that responded to retrobulbar amphotericin B, without exenteration.

Invasive fungal sinusitis: treatment of the orbit

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize diagnostic techniques for invasive fungal rhinosinusitis and provide a review of treatment options once disease has spread to the orbit.

RECENT FINDINGS

Improved imaging criteria, polymerase chain reaction and other serologic tests show promise in advancing our ability to accurately diagnose invasive fungal disease. Currently, there exists three treatment options for infected orbital tissue: exenteration, conservative debridement and transcutaneous retrobulbar injection of amphotericin B. Exenteration, the most frequently reported intervention, has not been proven to enhance survival. Conservative debridement and transcutaneous retrobulbar injection of amphotericin B are increasingly considered reasonable first-line options.

SUMMARY

Although investigative tools are improving, invasive fungal rhinosinusitis can still pose a diagnostic challenge. No one treatment option for the orbit has been proven superior to another. Therefore, it is justified to initiate therapy by prioritizing less morbid procedures. If deterioration is continually noted, more invasive interventions can then be employed. The treatment algorithm established at our institution is provided.

Retrobulbar Injection of Amphotericin B for Orbital Mucormycosis

A 68-year-old immunocompromised man with rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis was treated with retrobulbar injections of amphotericin B deoxycholate in conjunction with intravenous antifungals and endoscopic sinus debridement. Transient episodes of orbital inflammation were noted after retrobulbar injections, but progression of orbital infection was halted and visual acuity restored with eventual hospital discharge. To the authors' knowledge, clearance of orbital mucormycosis with retrobulbar amphotericin B injections has not been previously reported. This intervention may be a viable therapeutic option in cases of orbital mucormycosis where aggressive orbital debridement is not favored and/or the burden of orbital disease is not substantial. However, physicians should be aware of the risk of transient orbital inflammation secondary to retrobulbar amphotericin B deoxycholate.

[First Report of Intraorbital Abscess Caused by Candida allociferrii and Specific PCR for Differentiating Stephanoascus ciferrii Complex Species]

We present a rare case of intraorbital abscess caused by Candida allociferrii, which was described as a new species of Stephanoascus ciferrii complex in 2002, in a patient after enucleation of choroidal melanoma. This strain showed resistance to itraconazole, and fluconazole. After debridement and topical use of amphotericin B, his wound abscess was disappeared. To our knowledge, this is the first C. allociferrii infection case in human.

The Role of Adjunctive Therapies in the Management of Invasive Sino-Orbital Infection

OBJECTIVE

Invasive sino-orbital fungal infections are life-threatening complications of immunonosupression that are difficult to treat. Currently there are no standard treatment guidelines. The most widely accepted therapy includes parenteral anti-fungal therapy and surgical debridement of sinuses with orbital exenteration, a procedure that is not only disfiguring, but may increase morbidity. Injection of retrobulbar Liposomal Amphotericin B (L-AMB) is an alternative approach that provides local administration to infected tissues. The adjunct use of anti-fungal retrobulbar injections not been extensively reviewed in treating sino-orbital infection. We are reporting the multimodal approach of using L-AMB retrobulbar injections in combination with sinus debridement, intravenous (IV) anti-fungal therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) for the management of sino-orbital infection.

METHOD & RESULTS

Review of literature of 12 cases and retrospective evaluation of one patient with sino-orbital Aspergillus flavus infection on chemotherapy for T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia treated with retrobulbar Amphotericin B, IV anti-fungal agents, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Clinical characteristics, radiographic features, management techniques, and clinical outcomes are described.

CONCLUSION

Retrobulbar Amphotericin B injection may be an effective adjunct to hyperbaric oxygen and parenteral anti-fungals in the control of sino-orbital fungal infections.

Orbital compartment syndrome following retrobulbar injection of amphotericin B for invasive fungal disease

Purpose

To describe a complication of retrobulbar amphotericin B injections in the treatment of invasive rhino-orbital asperigillosis.

Observations

27 year-old renal transplant recipient presented with a two-week history of headache, binocular diplopia and proptosis of the left eye. Endonasal biopsy on hospital day 3 confirmed the diagnosis of rhino-orbital invasive Aspergillus fumigatus involving the left orbital apex.

In addition to systemic antifungal treatment and cessation of immunosuppression, retrobulbar amphotericin B injections (3.5 mg/1 ml) combined with endoscopic local debridement were initiated when the patient developed progressive visual loss. Retrobulbar injections were administered on hospital days 8, 10, 14, 17, and 20. Endoscopic debridement occurred on hospital days 10 and 16.

After the fifth retrobulbar amphotericin B injection, the patient developed acute orbital compartment syndrome with intraocular pressures ranging from 47 to 86 mmHg and vision declined to 20/200, requiring emergent lateral canthotomy and superior and inferior cantholysis. Close observation without further intervention resulted in return of vision to 20/20 and normalization of intraocular pressure.

Conclusion and importance

Retrobulbar amphotericin B in combination with local debridement may be considered an alternative to exenteration for invasive aspergillosis secondary to reversible immunosuppression. To the authors' knowledge, orbital compartment syndrome secondary to retrobulbar amphotericin B administration has not previously been reported. Patients should be counseled on the risk of severe local inflammation due to amphotericin B. More research is needed to establish the most appropriate dosing, frequency, and duration of retrobulbar amphotericin B injections in the treatment of life-threatening Aspergillus infections.

Invasive fungal sinusitis of the sphenoid sinus

Objective

This study was conducted to present the clinical outcome of invasive fungal sinusitis of the sphenoid sinus and to analyze clinical factors influencing patient survival.

Methods

A retrospective review of 12 cases of invasive fungal sphenoiditis was conducted.

Results

Cases were divided into acute fulminant invasive fungal spheonoidits (n=4) and chronic invasive fungal sphenoiditis (n=8). The most common underlying disease was diabetes mellitus (n=9). The most common presenting symptoms and signs included visual disturbance (100%). Intracranial extension was observed in 8 patients. Endoscopic debridement and intravenous antifungals were given to all patients. Fatal aneurysmal rupture of the internal carotid artery occurred suddenly in two patients. The mortality rate was 100% for patients with acute fulminant invasive fungal sphenoiditis and 25% for patients with chronic invasive fungal sphenoiditis. In survival analysis, intracranial extension was evaluated as a statistically significant factor (P=0.027).

Conclusion

The survival rate of chronic invasive fungal sphenoiditis was 75%. However, the prognosis of acute fulminant invasive fungal sphenoiditis was extremely poor despite the application of aggressive treatment, thus, a high index of suspicion should be required and new diagnostic markers need to be developed for early diagnosis of invasive fungal sinusitis of the sphenoid sinus.

Orbital apergillosis treated with retrobulbar amphotericin B

A 61-year-old male underwent a cardiac transplant for congenital dilated cardiomyopathy. Two months post-transplantation, after a complicated clinical course, he was noted to have progressive proptosis and limitation of motility OD. Computed tomography showed opacification of the right maxillary sinus with the suggestion of a fungus ball and soft tissue infiltration along the floor of the orbit adjacent to the inferior rectus, extending posteriorly to within millimeters of the superior and inferior orbital fissures. An orbital biopsy demonstrated the presence of fungal hyphae and A. fumigatus was cultured. The patient was treated with systemic antifungal therapy and intralesional retrobulbar amphotericin B (without debridement) with successful eradication of the fungal pathogen. Intralesional amphotericin in combination with systemic antifungal therapy without limited debridement is rarely reported and may be an alternative to limited debridement or exenteration in orbital aspergillosis.

Invasive mould infections of the naso-orbital region of cats: a case involving Aspergillus fumigatus and an aetiological review

CASE AND CONTEXT: This report describes a cat diagnosed with sinonasal-orbital Aspergillus fumigatus infection using advanced imaging, histopathology and culture. Aetiology, clinical aspects and treatment of this rare and devastating infection are discussed with reference to a literature review of invasive mould (ie, filamentous fungal) infections involving tissues of the naso-orbital region of cats.

PRESENTATIONS

Invasive fungal infections can present with different localisations (nasal passages, sinuses, orbits, subcutaneous space, palate, etc) depending on the species involved and its means of introduction into the tissues. Localised subcutaneous lesions (swellings, ulcerations, masses, nodules, etc), without concomitant signs of nasal/orbital disease, generally result from traumatic injuries and subsequent inoculation of fungal spores into the subcutaneous space. In contrast, naso-ocular involvement and concurrent signs of nasal disease (nasal discharge, sneezing, masses protruding from the nostrils) generally result from inhalation of spores, with subsequent spread of infection into the nasal planum or penetration of overlying bone and invasion of the subcutaneous space. Aspergillus species typically show such an invasion mechanism and frequently affect orbital tissues. Dematiaceous fungi (ie, filamentous fungi with brown/black hyphae) are reported to cause solitary, less invasive, slowly developing lesions, probably as a result of traumatic injuries with inoculation of fungal propagules. Accordingly, the subcutaneous space is more frequently primarily involved.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME

Whatever the mould species, reported treatment options include surgery and a series of antifungal drugs. The outcome is frequently poor, especially for Aspergillus infections, although various measures can be taken to maximise the chances of success, as discussed in this report.