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Yassin Z, Hajsadeghi S, Shavazi MT, Fattahi M, Ahmadzadeh K, Farid A, Karimi Y, Seirafianpour F, Babaheidarian P, Goodarzi A. Endocarditis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in a patient 9 months after COVID-19 infection recovery: a case report and review of the literature. J Med Case Rep 2023; 17:519. [PMID: 38110954 PMCID: PMC10729585 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-023-04252-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspergillus spp. are among the fungal pathogens that can cause life-threatening infections in patients with a history of COVID-19. CASE PRESENTATION We present the case of a 58-year-old Iranian woman with post-COVID-19 Aspergillus fumigatus endocarditis complicated by numerous thromboembolisms. She underwent mitral valve replacement surgery and multiple lower extremity embolectomies and was treated with voriconazole, which led to her final recovery. CONCLUSIONS Aspergillus endocarditis should be considered in any patient with suspected endocarditis who has a history of COVID-19 infection and does not respond to routine antibiotic and antifungal therapy, as COVID-19 interferes with proper immune function, and lack of underlying cardiac conditions and immunodeficiencies does not preclude the diagnosis. Culture and histopathological evaluation of vegetations and emboli, as well as PCR, can confirm the diagnosis. Early initiation of antifungal therapy and surgical removal of infected valves and emboli can improve prognosis in patients with Aspergillus endocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynab Yassin
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Niayesh Street, Sattarkhan Avenue, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, Tehran, 1445613131, Iran
| | - Shokoufeh Hajsadeghi
- Research Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Niayesh Street, Sattarkhan Avenue, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, Tehran, 1445613131, Iran
| | - Mohsen Taghavi Shavazi
- Department of Cardiology, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Niayesh Street, Sattarkhan Avenue, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Fattahi
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Taleghani Ave, Nadery Ave, Tehran, Iran
| | - Koohyar Ahmadzadeh
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Armita Farid
- Razi Drug Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
| | - Yeganeh Karimi
- Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnoosh Seirafianpour
- Razi Drug Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran.
| | - Pegah Babaheidarian
- Pathology Department, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Goodarzi
- Department of Dermatology, Rasool Akram Medical Complex Clinical Research Development Center (RCRDC), School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Niayesh Street, Sattarkhan Avenue, Tehran, 1445613131, Iran.
- Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran university of medical science, Tehran, 1445613131, Iran.
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Yassin Z, Farid A, Ahmadi S, Emamikhah M, Motamedi O, Jafari M, Goodarzi A. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated brain abscesses caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus: two case and a review of the literature. J Med Case Rep 2023; 17:520. [PMID: 38049820 PMCID: PMC10694943 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-023-04206-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial and fungal superinfections are commonly reported in patients with coronavirus disease 2019. CASE PRESENTATION We report the first case of brain and intramedullary abscesses caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a rare case of brain abscesses caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in two post-coronavirus disease 2019 patients. The first patient-34-year-old Iranian woman-presented with weakness of the left upper limb, headaches, and lower limb paresthesia. She had a history of undiagnosed diabetes and had received corticosteroid therapy. The second patient-45-year-old Iranian man-presented with right-sided weakness and had a history of intensive care unit admission. Both patients passed away despite appropriate medical therapy. CONCLUSION The immune dysregulation induced by coronavirus disease 2019 and its' treatments can predispose patients, especially immunosuppressed ones, to bacterial and fungal infections with unusual and opportunistic pathogens in the central nervous system. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus should be considered as potential causes of brain infection in any coronavirus disease 2019 patient presenting with neurological symptoms and evidence of brain abscess in imaging, regardless of sinonasal involvement. These patients should get started on appropriate antimicrobial therapy as soon as possible, as any delay in diagnosis or treatment can be associated with adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynab Yassin
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Armita Farid
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Bisotun Street, 6.1 Alley, No 56, Tehran, 1431644311, Iran
| | - Sayedali Ahmadi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Niayesh Street, Sattarkhan Ave, Tehran, 1431644311, Iran
| | - Maziar Emamikhah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Niayesh Street, Sattarkhan Ave, Tehran, 1431644311, Iran
| | - Omid Motamedi
- Department of Radiology, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Niayesh Street, Sattarkhan Avenue, Tehran, 1445613131, Iran
| | - Mohammadamin Jafari
- Department of Dermatology, Rasool Akram Medical Complex Clinical Research Development Center (RCRDC), School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Niayesh Street, Sattarkhan Avenue, Tehran, 1445613131, Iran
| | - Azadeh Goodarzi
- Department of Dermatology, Rasool Akram Medical Complex Clinical Research Development Center (RCRDC), School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Niayesh Street, Sattarkhan Avenue, Tehran, 1445613131, Iran.
- Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Samanta R, Jayaraj S, Mittal SK, Kumari J, Naharwal A, Agrawal A. Post-COVID-19 endogenous endophthalmitis case series and review of literature. Indian J Ophthalmol 2023; 71:3677-3683. [PMID: 37991303 PMCID: PMC10788740 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_3079_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe a series of post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) endogenous endophthalmitis (EE) patients from a multispecialty tertiary hospital in North India. METHODS A retrospective chart review including all consecutive cases with EE following confirmed COVID-19 disease from July 2020 to June 2021. RESULTS Seven eyes of four patients (three female and one male) were included. Two patients had confirmed bilateral fungal (Aspergillus sp.) EE and two patients had presumed fungal EE (one bilateral and one unilateral). Three of these four patients received systemic steroids as part of COVID-19 treatment previously. Five eyes were managed with initial intravitreal injection (IVI), followed by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), and two eyes were managed with only IVI. All patients received systemic antifungal agents. Intraocular inflammation resolved in all eyes with treatment. One patient of EE also developed voriconazole-induced transient visual hallucination, which resolved on discontinuing the medication. CONCLUSION This case series represents a series of EE cases following COVID-19 disease or its sequelae or as a result of prior treatment for COVID-19. Ophthalmologists and physicians must be vigilant about these complications and initiate prompt management at the earliest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramanuj Samanta
- Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sreeram Jayaraj
- Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sanjeev K Mittal
- Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Jyoti Kumari
- Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Aarshi Naharwal
- Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ajai Agrawal
- Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
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Xie Y, Wang X, Ji Z, Li G, Zhang C. The Effectiveness and Safety of Intravitreal Injections of Voriconazole in the Treatment of Fungal Endophthalmitis: A Systematic Review. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2023. [PMID: 38011696 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2023.0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Fungus endophthalmitis is a rare and serious infection that is treated with systemic and topical antifungal drugs. There is no clear consensus on the treatment of fungal endophthalmitis with intravitreal injections (IVIs) of voriconazole. This systematic review aims to summarize the literature on IVIs of voriconazole for fungal endophthalmitis. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature to determine the effectiveness and safety of IVIs of voriconazole in the treatment of fungal endophthalmitis. We searched databases such as PubMed and Embase using the following search terms "Endophthalmitis" AND "Intravitreal Injections" AND "Voriconazole" with date limits of January 1, 1900, to December 31, 2022. We included all reports on humans, which described clinical outcomes of IVIs of voriconazole in the treatment of fungal endophthalmitis, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case series. A descriptive synthesis of the data was conducted with a pooling of data for interventions. Results: One RCT and 21 retrospective studies were analyzed in this review. In these reports, a wide range of heterogeneous treatment regimens was used, including IVI in combination with other drugs, systemic therapy in combination with other agents, and surgery. Combined with other treatments, intravitreal voriconazole results in a favorable anatomical and clinical cure that was well tolerated. Conclusions: Reports on IVIs of voriconazole for fungal endophthalmitis demonstrate a heterogeneous approach to treatment. Of these, IVIs of voriconazole in anatomical and clinical outcomes appeared to be highly effective, although more data on its safety are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zichao Ji
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyao Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Xie CA, Singh J, Tyagi M, Androudi S, Dave VP, Arora A, Gupta V, Agrawal R, Mi H, Sen A. Endogenous Endophthalmitis - A Major Review. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023; 31:1362-1385. [PMID: 36306406 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2126863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous endophthalmitis (EE) is an uncommon but potentially devastating ocular infection involving the inner layers of the eye. The global incidence of EE is on the rise. Common ocular signs and symptoms associated with EE include conjunctival injection, ocular pain, and reduced visual acuity. On clinical examination, a history of prior or coexisting systemic infections, symptoms (e.g., fever, malaise), and localizing features may be noted. Clinical diagnosis is often challenging, resulting in critical delays that contribute to a poor prognosis. Blood cultures and ocular fluid samples can aid in conforming causative pathogen(s), after which empirical antibiotic therapy, both systemic and intravitreal, should be instated. The use of steroids to suppress inflammation remains controversial. Surgical options include pars plana vitrectomy. Overall prognosis varies depending on host and pathogen factors, and early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment are crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cen Amy Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Jayanti Singh
- Department of Vitreo-retina and Uvea, Sadguru Netra Chikatsalaya, Chitrakoot, India
| | - Mudit Tyagi
- Department of Vitreo-retina, Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sofia Androudi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
| | - Vivek Pravin Dave
- Department of Vitreo-retina, Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Atul Arora
- Advanced Eye Centre, Post-graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Vishali Gupta
- Advanced Eye Centre, Post-graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Rupesh Agrawal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Eye ACP programme, Duke NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Ocular Infections and AntiMicrobials Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Helen Mi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Alok Sen
- Department of Vitreo-retina and Uvea, Sadguru Netra Chikatsalaya, Chitrakoot, India
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Mohan S, Kandle K, Ganesan S, Prakash VJ, Mistry S, Anand AR, Biswas J. Endogenous fungal endophthalmitis following COVID-19 infection with microbiological and molecular biological correlation - A report of two cases. Indian J Ophthalmol 2023; 71:2272-2275. [PMID: 37202969 PMCID: PMC10391411 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_2044_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
This case report describes three eyes of two patients, who were diagnosed to have endogenous fungal endophthalmitis post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Both patients underwent vitrectomy with intravitreal anti-fungal injection. Intra-ocular samples confirmed the fungal etiology by conventional microbiological investigations and polymerase chain reaction in both cases. The patients were treated with multiple intravitreal and oral anti-fungal agents; however, vision could not be salvaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sashwanthi Mohan
- Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kaustubh Kandle
- Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Suganeswari Ganesan
- Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - V Jaya Prakash
- Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Suraj Mistry
- Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - A R Anand
- L and T Microbiology Research Centre, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jyotirmay Biswas
- Department of Uveitis and Ocular Pathology, Sankara Nethralaya, Medical Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Dutta Majumder P. Endogenous fungal endophthalmitis in COVID-19 patients: An unexplored possibility. Indian J Ophthalmol 2022; 70:1083-1085. [PMID: 35325989 PMCID: PMC9240571 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_510_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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