Correlation of Diagnostic Yield with Laboratory Parameters and Histopathological Examination in Clinically Suspected Cases of Mucormycosis in Post-COVID-19 Patients: A SingleCenter Study in Ahmedabad, India

Background and objectives: Mucormycosis is a complication in post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in India. This study was done to evaluate the prognostic value of clinical, histopathologic findings, microbiological features, and biochemical parameters such as D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, and serum ferritin in post- COVID-19-patients with rhino-orbital mucormycosis. Methods: This retrospective observational study was carried out on biopsies taken from 50 post-COVID-19 patients suspected of mucormycosis. The biopsy specimens were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid– schiff, and Wright-Giemsa. In addition, 10–20% potassium hydroxide wet mount and culture on sabouraud dextrose agar were performed to detect Mucor. The biochemical parameters were measured using ARCHITECT ci8200 chemistry analyzer. Results: Overall, 30 cases (60%) were positive for fungal elements, and growth of Mucor spp. was found in 28 cases (56%). In histopathology, 70% of cases (n=35) showed broad, aseptate, ribbon-like hyphae with wide-angled branching diagnostic of mucormycosis. There seemed to be a site-wise overlap between the nasal/maxillary sinus and rhinoorbital/rhino-cerebral variety. There was no difference between the patients in terms of gender. The most common risk factor was diabetes mellitus (observed in 80% of cases). In patients with invasive mucormycosis, inflammatory biomarkers such as serum ferritin, serum lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, and Ddimer were greater than the normal range, whereas procalcitonin was within the reference range. Conclusion: It can be concluded that raised metabolic markers, direct 10% KOH examination and histological features including angioinvasion as well as rhino-orbital and cerebral extension might assist doctors in diagnosis, progression, and survival rate. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Medical Laboratory Journal is the property of Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Deputy of Research & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Maxillary osteomyelitis secondary to mucormycosis, a sequel of COVID-19: a clinical case report

Introduction: One of the consequences of COVID-19 is the incidence of mucormycosis in the jaws and subsequent osteomyelitis in patients with undiagnosed or uncontrolled comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus and associated immunosuppression. Case Report: A 52-year-old male patient with a history of COVID-19 two months ago presented a painful ulcerative lesion of insidious onset in the palatal raphe measuring approximately 2 mm. He referred to numbness of the palatal region of one month of evolution. During the physical examination, purulent content, multiple pustules in the anterior maxillary buccal mucosa, and mobility of upper anterior teeth were observed. The CT revealed isodense bilateral images in maxillary and ethmoidal sinuses, bone sequestrations, and partial loss of anterior vestibular cortical bone. Laboratory tests revealed no abnormality, except for HbH1c: 10.2gr/dl. The patient was hospitalized for control of newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus. Maxillary incisional biopsy was performed, and microscopic analysis showed a mixed inflammatory infiltrate, fibrin deposits with eosinophilic and birefringent ribbon-like hyphae, branched at right angles, compatible with maxillary osteomyelitis secondary to mucormycosis. The treatment started with antifungal and intravenous antibiotics, followed by surgical cleaning under general anesthesia. The patient progressed favorably. Conclusion(s): Immunosuppression resulting from COVID-19 and/or uncontrolled systemic diseases can condition the appearance of rare opportunistic microorganisms causing infections such as mucormycosis. Early diagnosis and treatment make a difference in the morbidity and mortality of patients.

Anaplastic extramedullary plasmacytoma resistant to novel therapies: A case report

The treatment of choice for extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is radiotherapy (RT). It is under discussion whether the management of an anaplastic form of EMP requires the addition of systemic therapy. We present a case of a 66-year-old male who was diagnosed with anaplastic plasmacytoma of the maxillary sinus. After the exclusion of multiple myeloma, Dara-VMP (daratumumab, bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisolone) regimen was initiated. During the third cycle of Dara-VMP, a progression of the tumor was observed. RT and BRd (bendamustine, dexamethasone, and lenalidomide) regimen were initiated. After 4 cycles of BRd, disease progression was established. KRd (carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone) regimen was initiated. The first cycle of KRd was not completed, as the patient was diagnosed with COVID-19. After the infection, the progression of EMP was observed. In this case, the anaplastic EMP was resistant to RT and chemotherapy regimens with novel agents, including a monoclonal antibody, an immunomodulatory drug, and proteasome inhibitors. Copyright © 2023 the author(s), published by De Gruyter, Berlin/Boston.

RADIOLOGY OF RHINOORBITOCEREBRAL MYCORMYCOSIS IN PATIENTS AFTER COVID-19.

Purpose. The analysis of CT and MR patterns of rhinoorbitocerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) after COVID-19. Materials and methods. The study included 11 patients with confirmed COVID-19 and invasive ROCM in the long-term period. CT examinations were performed on Revolution EVO CT scanner (GE, Russia) and MRI on Aera MR scanner 1.5 T (Siemens, Germany). Results. We report several CT and MR patterns for a series of patients: involvement of paranasal sinuses, orbits, optic nerves, large arteries;intracranial spread;involvement bones of cranial base. The features of differential diagnosis and recommendations for standard protocols are presented. Conclusion. CT of paranasal sinuses is the method of choice for suspected fungal infections. MRI is recommended if there is a suspicion of orbital, vascular, and intracranial complications or cavernous sinus extension. The combination of both methods makes it possible to showed soft tissue invasion and bony destruction to choose optimal medical tactics ROCM.Copyright © 2022 Russian Electronic Journal of Radiology. All rights reserved.

[COVID-induced facial bones necrosis]. / COVID-indutsirovannyi nekroz chelyustnykh kostei.

The article focuses on the clinical manifestation of inflammatory and destructive lesions of the bones of the midface, nose and paranasal sinuses as a long-term complication of COVID-19 with clinical examples provided.

Maxillary mucormycosis and concurrent osteomyelitis in a post-COVID-19 patient with new onset diabetes mellitus.

The occurrence of invasive fungal respiratory superinfections in patients with COVID-19 has gained much attention in the post-COVID era. The elucidation of invasive fungal sinusitis with osteomyelitis as a rare aggressive infection that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent fatal consequences has been noteworthy. Cone-beam computed tomography findings in those patients are central to early diagnosis and management. Here we report a case of post-COVID mucormycosis with osteomyelitis of the maxilla in a 72-year-old woman with a history of recently diagnosed diabetes mellitus.

Post-Covid Mucormycosis: A Case Series

Introduction: COVID-19, a new coronavirus illness, swiftly spread throughout all continents. However, evidence on all of COVID-19's indications and symptoms is lacking. Patients who have COVID-19 may be more susceptible to fungal infections. Mucormycosis is an uncommon and frequently fatal fungal illness caused by hyphae invading the bloodstream and causing thrombosis and necrosis. Material(s) and Method(s): Patients diagnosed with mucormycosis following a recent COVID-19 infection were included in the case series analysis. Surgical therapy was limited to individuals who tested negative for COVID-19 on PCR. To remove the infection, endoscopic, open, and combination techniques were used. For the first month after surgery, survivors were followed up on on a regular basis. Result(s): About 30 people with a history of Covid-19 were given dexamethasone and remdesivir in this study. Following therapy, these individuals developed mucormycosis, which was treated by Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). As a consequence, 16 patients (53.34 %) had numerous operations. The most prevalent related condition was diabetes mellitus (60 %). The majority of the patients were men (60 %). Our patients had an average age of 55.53+/-8.093. 43.34 % of the people died. Conclusion(s): In conclusion, mucormycosis is a rare but critical problem complicating the later part of the clinical course of COVID-1, possibly due to improper drug usage during Covid treatment. Copyright © 2023 Authors. All rights reserved.

Diagnosis and management of mucormycosis in the dental clinic: A guide for oral health professionals in India.

With the current pandemic raging over the world, science and medicine is faced with hereto with unfought enemies or less fought opponent in the form of viruses and consequently, other biotic entities. While researchers are striving to identify and conquer the variants of COVID-19, other innocuous organisms are raising their ugly heads in the form of opportunistic fungal infections. Mucormycosis/Black Fungus is an invasive opportunistic fungal infection caused by mucorale species. It spreads through blood vessels causing thrombosis, ischemia, and necrosis. Population with pre-existing immunocompromised conditions such as Diabetes Mellitus, Malignancy, Long-term immunosuppressant therapy are more susceptible. Mucormycosis associated with Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) proved to be catastrophic due to its high mortality rates. Rhino orbital Mucormycosis is the most common form. The primary care physician, being the first and often, (more so in developing countries) and being the only point of contact with a healthcare professional, plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and management of this condition. The keystone to decreasing mortality is early detection and diagnosis followed by preventive measures to control progression to the brain. A multidisciplinary approach by various specialties is a prerequisite for effective diagnosis and management. Antifungal therapy, surgical debridement, and resection of the affected areas are protocols to be followed. Post-operative defects cause impairment of function, phonetics, and esthetics. Prosthetic rehabilitation of these defects has shown favorable results, especially in the aged and immunocompromised individuals.

Surgical Management of Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis Post-COVID-19 Infection

Introduction: The pandemic of COVID-19 in association with mucormycosis would be a deadly fungal infection with high level of mortality and morbidity. Our aim is to evaluate the surgical outcome of patients with rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis to suggest better management strategies. Method(s): A total of 62 cases of COVID-19-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis were admitted to the ear, nose, throat department in Mashhad, Iran, from August 1 to October 15, 2021. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive analysis was used for demographic and clinical characteristics. Result(s): Main predisposing conditions were diabetes mellitus (90%) followed by hypertension (41%). Main symptoms were headache (75%), periorbital or retro-orbital pain (61%), visual loss (45%), and facial numbness (41%). Mucosal and ocular findings showed necrosis (67%), blindness (n=35), ptosis (n=31), proptosis (n=27), ophthalmoplegia (n=25), and chemosis (n=20). Neurologic loss of consciousness (19%) and palsies of cranial nerves (53%) were observed. Endoscopy findings showed necrosis (70%), discharge (61%), and crusting (54%). Imaging enhancement revealed mucosal thickening (69%), opacification of sinus (69%), bony destruction of sinus (35%), and orbital involvement (25%). Debridement surgery was necessary in nearly all patients (96%), dominated by ethmoid sinus (90%), maxillary sinus (87%), middle turbinate (80%), and sphenoid sinus (79%). Based on our follow-up, 25 patients died (42%). Those who survived will suffer from no light perception (35%), cranial nerve palsy (12%), and cerebral vascular accident (1.6%). Conclusion(s): Mucormycosis is an aggressive fungal infection. Diabetes mellitus, COVID-19 complication, inappropriate use of corticosteroids, and delayed vaccination had significantly increased its incidence. As there is an urgent need to address this public health concern, we present our data set from Iran.

Co-existence of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Sinonasal Mucormycosis: Therapeutical Challenges

Pandemic was new experience for entire humanity. Medical fraternity was no exception. The cases of mucormycosis were on the rise during the second wave of the pandemic. Presented here are two cases which were combination of two diseases, one of which was squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck region and other one was sinonasal mucormycosis. Both patients were diabetics and had history of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection in past. Our literature search doesn't reveal any previously reported cases of this rare combination. There were certain challenges in management. Both diseases were lethal and treatment of one cannot be prioritised over other. Challenges in managing those cases were, reconstruction planning, perioperative management and postsurgery adjuvant therapy. In absence of previous experience to treat this combination or any literature available new treatment protocol were formulated. Cases were discussed in multidisciplinary team meetings and treatment plans were formulated. Mucormycosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma both were operated and reconstructed in same sitting. In one patient revision endoscopic debridement had to be done. Amphotericin B was started once diagnosis was confirmed. Patients were followed-up on weekly basis during first month and imaging was done every 15 days. Both patients had satisfactory recovery without any sign of progression of mucormycosis. Adjuvant radiation was given in both cases at appropriate time. At follow-up both patients were free from disease for six months. From these unique experiences it can be recommended that combination of sinonasal mucormycosis and squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck is very rare. Both diseases can be treated simultaneously. Excision and reconstruction can be done in single sitting. There is no need to delay or avoid adjuvant radiation. Multidisciplinary team approach is the key for treatment.

Proposal for a Paradigm Shift in Personalized Medicine for Patients with a Maxillary Edentulous Jaw by ENT Specialist and Dentist Cooperation.

With the spread of oral implant therapy, serious medical complications related to implant surgery are becoming a social problem. Although the number of complications after implant surgery in the edentulous jaw is decreasing in Japan, maxillary-sinus-related complications (MSRCs) have reached the highest number since 2012. It is essential to identify and eliminate possible predisposing risk factors for MSRCs at an early stage to prevent MSRCs. In this review article, we highlight the causal factors of postoperative complications with or without sinus augmentation for the maxillary molar region to achieve optimal treatment outcomes and reduce complications. In particular, we focus on anatomical variations that can cause the impairment of maxillary sinus drainage. Furthermore, we emphasize that the paradigm for personalized medicine for patients with a maxillary edentulous jaw by ENT specialist and dentist cooperation is shifting from the traditional assessment of maxillary sinus pathologies alone to the new assessment of anatomic variations that can cause the impairment of maxillary sinus drainage in addition to maxillary sinus pathologies.

Post COVID-19 Rhino Orbito Cerebral Mucormycosis: Who is the Real Culprit

Aim and background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia has been frequently associated with symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, loss of sense of smell, fever, and fatigue. Patients with preexisting conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or coronary artery disease are especially susceptible to compilations arising from COVID-19 pneumonia. Patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus or those that are immunocompromised are at an increased risk of developing mucormycosis. Objective: To study the possible association between invasive fungal sinusitis (mucormycosis) and COVID-19. Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care centre over 4 months, involving all patients with rhino orbito cerebral mucormycosis suffering from or having a history of coronavirus disease infection. Results: Seventy patients presented with mucormycosis, 65 had an association with COVID-19. The maxillary sinus and the anterior ethmoidal sinuses were the most common sinuses affected. Intra-orbital extension was seen in 30% of cases, while intracranial extension was only seen in 6%. Diabetes mellitus was present in 65 cases and was uncontrolled in 45 cases. All patients had a history of steroid use during their coronavirus treatment and 10% had tocilizumab administration. All 70 patients underwent surgical debridement, of which 21 had undergone orbital exenteration. Overall mortality was 7.6%, but with significant morbidity in survivors. Conclusion: Multiple manifestations and complications of COVID-19 are emerging as the pandemic is progressing. Mucormycosis emerged as a major health care problem with lots of morbidity and mortality, especially in the Indian subcontinent. Overzealous use of immunosuppressants along with uncontrolled diabetes was the major causative factor. Early diagnosis and early surgical debridement was the key to survival.

Prolonged ECMO Support of an Adult with SARS-CoV-2 ARDS and Right Heart Failure in a Children's Hospital

ECMO has become a widely recognized support modality for patients with severe cardiac or respiratory failure, and has been increasingly utilized in the ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome due to coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Long-term support on ECMO for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is also becoming more commonplace with eventual lung recovery, obviating the need for lung transplantation. However, long-term ECMO support has not been well studied for SARS-CoV-2 ARDS patients. We report the case of a 39-year-old female with severe SARS-CoV-2-induced ARDS successfully supported on venovenous ECMO (V-V ECMO) for 5,208 hours (217 days) in a high ECMO-volume, quaternary care children's hospital in 2021. At the time of this writing, this is the longest reported patient successfully supported on ECMO for SARS-CoV-2 ARDS. Our patient was initially cannulated at our children's hospital with dual-site V-V ECMO, via the right internal jugular vein (RIJ) and right common femoral vein. Bedside tracheostomy was performed on ECMO day 40, for early mobility, oral feeding, interaction, and pulmonary rehabilitation planning. Unfortunately, during her course she suffered multiple complications including bacterial co-infections, bleeding requiring anticoagulant changes from unfractionated heparin (UFH) to bivalirudin, multiple ECMO circuit changes due to blood product consumption and coagulopathy, and pneumothoraces requiring thoracostomy tube placements. Approximately 1.5 months into her ECMO course, she suffered acute hypoxemia and echocardiography revealed indirect evidence of pulmonary hypertension with right heart failure. Initial right heart catheterization while on V-V ECMO revealed elevated right ventricular end-diastolic pressure (RVEDP=15-20 mmHg) and severe systemic desaturation with main pulmonary artery (MPA) pressure of 30 mmHg. Pulmonary hypertension and right heart support was initiated in the form of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), inotropes, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, nitrates, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and diuresis. Ultimately, due to necessity of right-heart decompression and support, on ECMO day 86 she was transitioned to single-site V-V ECMO utilizing a 31 Fr dual-lumen venovenous cannula (ProtekDuo (LivaNova, UK)) placed via her RIJ through her right atrium (RA) into the MPA in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Subsequent heart catheterization more than 2 months later revealed severe right ventricular (RV) diastolic dysfunction (RVEDP=35 mmHg) and moderate left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP=24 mmHg)). During her course, multiple trials off ECMO were attempted with varying lengths of time off ECMO support, but ultimately required ongoing ECMO support. She developed evidence of end-organ dysfunction from her cor pulmonale, including oliguric renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT), hepatic injury with elevated transaminases and hyperammonemia leading to depressed mental state, feeding intolerance, and coagulopathy. Additionally, due to long-term nasogastric enteral tube placement for caloric supplementation and enteral medication administration, she developed concerns for invasive sinusitis with erosion into ethmoid and maxillary sinuses. As she was an adult patient being cared for in a free-standing academic children's hospital, multiple adult medicine consultants were involved in her care. Specifically, adult nephrology, cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery (for ProtekDuo cannula placement), and gastroenterology/ hepatology were integral into her care, along with our pediatric critical care medicine and ECMO teams. Notably, this was the first patient supported on ECMO to receive tracheostomy, RA-MPA dual-lumen VV cannula, and full autonomous mobility outside of the ICU at our well-established ECMO program, which has served as the index patient leading to future advances in the care of our ECMO patients. Over time and with multiple therapies to alleviate her cor pulmonale, the patient's echocardiograms evealed improved, half-systemic right-sided cardiac pressures. She was ultimately decannulated from ECMO at our center before being transferred back to the referring adult facility, and discharged to home 8 months after her initial presentation with acute respiratory failure.

Management of Post COVID Mucormycosis -Maxillectomy

Background:Mucormycosis has been increasingly described in patients with covid 19 2nd wave (delta variant) which is a highly contagious disease caused by SARS-COV-2 is the leading cause of global pandemic. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate etiology, indications, management options and complications in patients managed with endoscopic and external maxillectomy after mucormycosis, to evaluate the incidence and distribution of cases who had extensive mucormycosis and to evaluate the outcome of the management options. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study done in 30 cases at a tertiary care centre.All the patients were subjected to detailed history taking, clinical examination, endoscopic, radiological, pathological, microbiological investigations after taking informed consent. Patients with age group(30yrs -70yrs) who presented with ROM with extensive maxillary sinus involvement and destruction of different walls of the maxillary sinus were managed with different types of maxillectomies. Results: In this study, 30 cases of post covid rhinoorbital mucormycosis who presented to our hospital were studied, among male 24(80%) & females6 (20%).12 patients (40%) were in 5th to 6th decade and 9 patients (30%) in 4th to 5th decade.Main presenting features were unilateral cheek pain, cheek swelling, nasal obstruction, loosening of teeth, tooth ache, cheek numbness, headache, periorbital edema, visual disturbances being present in 95% of the patients.5% presented with epistaxis, ptosis, diplopia alone.90% patients were known case of diabetes milletus,10% are denovo diabetes.All the patients were subjected to routine blood investigations, microbiological, radiologicalinvestigations.(CT, MRI contrast- PNS, Orbit & Brain).Most commonly seen in males 80%. 1 patient had to undergo orbital exenteration,3 patients underwent palatal resection. Conclusion: Debridement of sinuses is necessary in all cases of mucormycosis so that the fungal reservoir could be removed and the antifungal therapy can reach the viable areas. Therefore the management of mucormycosis is individualised to each patient based on the extension of the disease and overall general conditon of the patient.

SPECTRUM OF CT FINDINGS IN CLINICALLY SUSPECTED CASES OF MUCORMYCOSIS - A STUDY AT TERTIARY HEALTH-CARE CENTER (RAJINDRA HOSPITAL PATIALA) DURING SECOND WAVE OF COVID PANDEMIC

Objective: Rhinocereberal mucormycosis is an acute, fulminant, and often lethal opportunistic infection typically affecting diabetic or immunocompromised patients. Early diagnosis is vital in these infections because delay in initiation of the treatment can be life-threatening. Computed tomography (CT) with axial and coronal sections is a highly accurate and non-invasive modality to accurately image sinonasal mycosis. The aim of the study was to describe the imaging findings in suspected cases of mucormycosis on CT. Methods: This study was conducted in Radiodiagnosis Department of Rajindra Hospital, Patiala. The data of 22 patients who were referred for CT with a clinical suspicion of mucormycosis were collected and all these patients were followed up to know about the prognosis of the disease. Results: In our study, there were 54.60% females and 45.40% males. Maximum number of patients (45.45%) belonged to 40-49 year age group. Diabetes mellitus was found to be the most commonly (90.90%) found comorbidity followed by hypertension (36.36%). In our study, involvement of unilateral nasal cavity was observed in 36.36% cases. Among the paranasal sinuses, maxillary and ethmoid sinuses were the most commonly involved in 95.45% and 77.27% cases. Conclusion: Prompt diagnosis and treatment of rhino-orbital mucormycosis are the sine qua non as antifungal drugs and surgical debridement can successfully control the infection and thus reduce the high mortality and morbidity associated with mucormycosis.

A study on clinico-radiological profile, risk factors, and management of mucormycosis during COVID pandemic in Rewa, (M.P.)

Background: Second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has been particularly devastating in India. COVID-19 and mucormycosis (also known as black fungus) are causing comorbid conditions to worsen the extent of infection and mortality rates especially in India. Mucormycosis can involve nose, sinuses, orbit, central nervous system, lung (pulmonary), gastrointestinal tract any many other organs, but rhino orbital cerebral mucormycosis is the most common variety seen. Rapidity of dissemination of mucormycosis is an extraordinary phenomenon and a delay in the diagnosis could be fatal. Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study is to document the clinical features, radiological extent, risk factors, management, and outcome of mucormycosis. Materials and Methods: The study was retrospective observational study. Eighty-two mucormycosis patients admitted in SGMH Rewa were selected as study subjects. Data regarding clinical features, radiological extent, associated risk factors, comorbidities, management during hospital stay, and outcome of mucormycosis patients were collected on excel sheet and analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: In our study, majority of the patients were unvaccinated (88%). Most common presenting complaint was nasal congestion with or without discharge in 78% patients followed by Facial swelling, visual disturbances, facial weakness, dental pain, etc. On CT or magnetic resonance imaging examination, all cases of mucormycosis had maxillary sinus (100%) involvement, followed by ethmoid (82%) and sphenoid (78%) sinuses. Diabetes mellitus was most common comorbidity seen in 52% cases. About 83% cases had history of receiving high dose steroid intravenously during management of COVID illness. Among study cases 72% patients have taken oxygen supplementation for more than 72 h, for COVID-19 pneumonia before hospitalization for mucormycosis. Therapy of Liposomal Amphotericin B and Oral Triazole (predominantly oral Posaconazole) was the most common medical treatment offered to all patients with COVID associated mucorpatient. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery was done on 93% cases followed by Modified Denker's procedure was done in 12% cases. Conclusion: In our study, mucornycosis appears to be associated with COVID-19, diabetes, and use of corticosteroids. Full vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines, judicious use of corticosteroids in patients with COVID-19 and strict control of blood glucose level along with timely and proper management is highly recommended to reduce the incidence of fatal mucormycosis. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Asian Journal of Medical Sciences is the property of Manipal Colleges of Medical Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Primary Presentation of Neurosarcoidosis as a Pituitary Mass with Sinonasal Involvement

Objective: Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease identified by noncaseating granulomas that can have central nervous system (CNS) involvement but rarely presents with primary CNS involvement. Neurosarcoidosis can present with or without systemic disease and can present with mass effect, endocrinopathies, and neuropathic symptoms. We report on an unusual case of neurosarcoidosis involving a pituitary adenoma. Case report: A 45-year-old African American man presented to ophthalmology clinic with a chief complaint of worsening field of vision. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 3.8-cm macroadenoma containing cystic and calcified components with optic chiasm compression, near-complete opacification of the maxillary sinuses, and mucosal thickening in the frontal sinuses. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, follow-up was delayed for 4 months while the vision loss progressed to near blindness in his right eye. After thorough evaluation, the patient was found to have near-complete right sided blindness, diffuse lymphadenopathy. After interdisciplinary discussions surgery was recommended. The patient underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary tumor and concurrent endoscopic sinus surgery. During the approach sinus mucosa was grossly inflamed. Frozen section of the sinus mucosa revealed granulomatous disease. The suprasellar mass had both soft contents which could be suctioned and fibrotic tumor with dense septations. Final pathology showed a pituitary adenoma with non-necrotizing granulomas within in the pituitary adenoma. Post-operatively, the patient was started on steroids and reported gradual improvement in his visual fields. At 3-months post-operative, MRI showed significant reduction in macroadenoma with a 1.5 cm residual tumor remaining in the sella and a decompressed optic chiasm which retracted inferiorly without any evidence of other intercranial anomalies. Literature review: Sarcoidosis occurs mostly in African Americans and Northern European women in their 3rd and 4th decades and can affect any part of the body such as the lymphatic systems, skin, lungs, and liver. Sarcoidosis is estimated to be prevalent in up to 80 per 100,000 people. CNS involvement occurs in 5 to 15% of patients with systemic sarcoidosis and can present with cranial neuropathy such as 7th nerve palsy, anticonvulsant refractory seizures, visual changes, and headaches. Pituitary involvement occurs 0.5% of patients with sarcoidosis and can present with endocrine and water metabolism dysfunction while sinonasal sarcoidosis can occur in up to 4%. Sinonasal sarcoidosis most usually presents as chronic crusting rhinitis, nasal obstruction, anosmia, and epistaxis and can show clinically as mucosal hypertrophy and external nose deformity in ~10% of these patients. Discussion and Conclusion: Symptomatic pituitary mass as the initial presentation of sarcoidosis is extremely rare. This case of primary neurosarcoidosis is unusual with its initial presentation mimicking non-functional pituitary macroadenoma with optic chiasm compression and associated vision loss. Primary presentation of neurosarcoidosis as a pituitary mass is rare but should be included in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with a combination of a macroadenoma, chronic sinusitis, and lymphadenopathy.

COVID-19Associated Mucormycosis: A Systematic Review

Mucormycosis was a difficult illness to treat in the past due to a lack of diagnostic and treatment alternatives. Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis usually affects the maxillary sinus with involvementof maxillary teeth, orbits, and ethmoidal sinuses. Diabetes mellitus is an independent riskfactor for both COVID-19 as well as mucormycosis. Advances in pathology, diagnostic tools, and treatment choices are discussed here.

Dual Fungal Infections (Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis) in a Diabetic Mellitus Patient Leading to Maxillary Sinusitis as a Post-COVID Manifestation: First Case Report.

Coronavirus infectious disease-19 caused by Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome-coronavirus-2 has emerged to be an emergency global health crisis for more than a year. And, as the disease has spread, a number of new clinical features have been observed in these patients. Immunosuppression caused by this disease results in an exacerbation of pre-existing infections. While corticosteroids are considered a life-saving therapeutic intervention for this pandemic, they have proved to be a double-edged sword and their indiscriminate use has produced some deleterious results. Recently, in the backdrop of this expression, a notable rise in invasive fungal infections has been identified even in the post-remission phase. Mucormycosis, Aspergillosis, and Candidiasis are the three most common opportunistic fungal infections among those observed. COVID-19 patients with diabetes mellitus are already at a higher risk of developing such secondary infections due to impaired immunity. Here we present a rare case report of a 50-year old male diabetic mellitus patient diagnosed with dual fungal infections (Aspergillosis along with Mucormycosis) leading to maxillary sinusitis as a post-COVID manifestation. To our knowledge, this is the first such case reported till date.