Exudative retinal detachment in COVID-19 - associated rhino-orbital mucormycosis - A rare clinical finding

[Late diagnosis of rhinocerebral mucormycosis in patients with COVID-19 (case studies)]

From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of secondary infections (both bacterial and fungal) has increased due to immune suppression associated with the use of corticosteroids or broad-spectrum antibiotics as a part of COVID-19 treatment protocol, which may exacerbate a pre-existing fungal disease or cause a new infection. Ophthalmologists are often involved in taking medical and surgical decisions in these complex cases. In this regard, a strong clinical suspicion should be applied to possible secondary fungal infections in COVID-19. Their early diagnosis and treatment may reduce mortality due to COVID-19 associated rhinocerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). This article describes two clinical cases of late detection of ROCM with two different scenarios, and compare the features of these cases with the literature data.

Rhino-orbital mucormycosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The current article will update and review the clinical and radiological manifestations and management of rhino-orbital mucormycosis (ROM).

RECENT FINDINGS

There has been an increase in cases of ROM worldwide, especially in India. Immunosuppression (especially diabetes mellitus) is a known predisposing risk factor for ROM. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of ROM can be vision or life-threatening. This article reviews the clinical and radiologic features, treatment, and prognosis of ROM with special emphasis on new and emerging therapies.

SUMMARY

ROM is an angioinvasive fungal infection that affects the sinuses and orbits and may present to ophthalmologists. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for ROM, especially in patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus or other immunosuppression. Corticosteroid treatment (including the recent COVID-19 pandemic) may be a predisposing risk factor for ROM.

Comparative risk assessment of COVID‐19 associated mucormycosis and aspergillosis: A systematic review

COVID‐19 is not only limited to a defined array but also has expanded with several secondary infections. Two uncommon opportunistic fungal infections, COVID‐19 associated mucormycosis (CAM) and aspergillosis (CAA), have recently been highly acquainted by many worldwide cases. Two immune response deteriorating factors are considered to be responsible for immunosuppression: comorbidities and medication. Due to unlike infection sites and patterns, CAM and CAA‐associated factors deflect a few degrees of proximity, and the present study is for its assessment. The study evaluated 351 CAM cases and 191 CAA cases retrieved from 65 and 53 articles based on inclusion criteria, respectively. Most of the CAM reported from India and CAA were from four South‐European and West‐European neighbor countries. The mean ages of CAM and CAA were 52.72 ± 13.74 and 64.81 ± 11.14, correspondingly. Mortality of CAA (56.28%) was two times greater than CAM (26.02%). Nevertheless, the count of diabetes cases was very high in CAM compared to CAA. The main comorbidities of CAM were diabetes (nearly 80%) and hypertension (more than 38%). All noticeable complications were higher in CAA except diabetes, and these were diabetes (34.55%), hypertension (45.03%), and obesity (18.32%). Moreover, pre‐existing respiratory complications like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are visible in CAA. The uses of steroids in CAM and CAA were nearly 70% and 66%, respectively. Almost one‐fourth of CAA cases were reported using immunosuppressant monoclonal antibodies, whereas only 7.69% were for CAM. The overall finding highlights diabetes, hypertension, and steroids as the risk factors for CAM, whereas obesity, chronic pulmonary disease, and immunosuppressants for CAA.