A Case of Ocular Myasthenia Gravis Seen by Rheumatology as Suspected Mononeuritis Multiplex in an Adult Male Shortly after Pfizerbiontech Sars-Cov-2 Vaccination

Background/Aims Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease targeting proteins at the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction. MG is thought to occur in genetically susceptible individuals following an environmental trigger. SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with new-onset autoimmune disease, new-onset MG, and exacerbations of pre-existing MG, with molecular mimicry between SARS-CoV-2 epitopes and autoantigen-induced autoreactivity thought to be part of the underlying mechanism. We report a case of newonset ocular MG following first dose Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 SARS-COV2 vaccination which was referred to rheumatology as suspected mononeuritis multiplex. Methods A 53-year-old man of East Asian ethnicity presented to the emergency department (ED) with sudden onset diplopia and left lateral gaze restriction 7 days after receiving his first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 SARS-COV2 vaccination. He had longstanding myopia and dry eyes but no other medical history, no regular medications or significant family history. He was a current smoker, with a 50-pack year history. He did not drink alcohol or use any recreational drugs. He was found to have an isolated left VI cranial nerve (CN) palsy with an otherwise normal ocular and physical examination. Blood tests were unremarkable apart from raised cholesterol, and he was discharged with a suspected self-limiting microvascular CN lesion. Three weeks later he presented to ED with worsening diplopia, increasingly restricted eye movements, headache, nausea, vomiting and blurred vision. Ophthalmology assessment noted new right sided CN III and VI palsy, persistent left CN VI palsy, and vertical diplopia in all fields of gaze. Neurological and physical examination were normal. Bloods including an autoimmune screen were unremarkable. SARS-CoV-2 Spike antibodies were positive consistent with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination but not infection. Intracranial and thoracic imaging were unremarkable. He was referred to and seen by both rheumatology and neurology as a case of suspected mononeuritis multiplex. Results A diagnosis of ocular MG was confirmed with positive serum acetylcholine receptor antibodies, and he was started on prednisolone, and pyridostigmine to good effect. Daily forced vital capacity (FVC) showed no respiratory muscle involvement, and nerve conduction studies and electromyography were normal, excluding secondary generalisation. Conclusion A review of the literature found 14 reported cases of new-onset MG all within 4 weeks following SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Whilst these cases provide interesting insights into the pathogenesis of autoimmune conditions such as MG, they are not epidemiological studies to inform vaccine safety. Ultimately, current evidence suggests that the risks of SARS-COV-2 infection outweigh the risk of vaccine-related adverse events, therefore we suggest clinicians should be aware of potential new-onset autoimmune conditions, but support the safety of SARSCOV2 vaccination. Further, research into possible immunological mechanisms behind this phenomenon, including identifying potential epitopes inducing molecular mimicry, could help establish the likelihood of a causative link.

Miller-Fisher syndrome following by Sputnik V vaccine: Case report.

Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS), defined as a rare variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), is characterized by the classic triad of ataxia, areflexia, and ophthalmoplegia. It is a demyelinating polyneuropathy resulting from a deregulated autoimmune response secondary to infection by viruses and bacteria. SMF and GBS have been described during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are some reports in the literature of GBS after vaccination for COVID-19. In contrast, reports of post-vaccination FMS for SARS-CoV-2 are scarce in the literature. A 75-year-old patient is presented who consults for asthenia, adynamia, and difficulty swallowing that progresses to respiratory distress. She refers to the application of the Sputnik V vaccine as an important antecedent. During the hospital stay, the diagnosis was made by electromyography and nerve conduction study of GBS variant SMF. The objective is to expose a post-vaccination SMF to SARS-CoV-2 with the biological Sputnik V and highlight the importance of this background for surveillance in clinical practice and future research.Copyright © 2022 Asociacion Colombiana de Infectologia. All rights reserved.

Our experiences in patients with atlanto-occipital dislocation: A case series with literature review.

Atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD) is an injury to the upper cervical spine that occurs after trauma. This injury is associated with a high mortality rate. According to studies, 8%-31% of deaths caused by accidents are due to AOD. Due to the improvement in medical care and diagnosis, the rate of related mortality has decreased. Five patients with AOD were evaluated. Two cases had type 1, one case had type 2, and two other patients had type 3 AOD. All patients had weakness in the upper and lower limbs and underwent surgery to fix the occipitocervical junction. Other complications in patients were hydrocephalus, 6 nerve palsy, and cerebellar infarction. All patients improved in follow-up examinations. AOD damage is divided into four groups: anterior, vertical, posterior, and lateral. The most common type of AOD is type 1 and the most instability is type 2. There are neurological and vascular injuries due to pressure on regional components; vascular injuries are associated with high mortality rate. In most patients, their symptoms improved after surgery. AOD requires early diagnosis and immobilization of the cervical spine along with maintaining the airway to save the patient's life. It is necessary to consider AOD in cases with neurological deficits or loss of consciousness in the emergency unit because earlier diagnosis could cause a wonderful improvement of the patient's prognosis.

Correlation between vitamin D and anosmia in post acute Covid syndrome clinic

Introduction: Anosmia has emerged as a clinical feature of Covid-19. It is estimated over half of patients with Covid19 report anosmia. It is primarily transient, but can persist over a month in around 20% of cases. There is a hypothetical interaction between hypovitaminosis D and diminished smell. A deficiency may lead to neurologic decline in cranial nerves, including the olfactory nerve. Few studies investigating this are available. Loss of smell is a common occurrence through adulthood, with many physiologic and anatomic contributing factors. Limited data is available addressing anosmia post Covid-19. Aim(s): To assess the correlation between vitamin D (VD) and anosmia, in patients referred to post acute COVID syndrome (PACS) clinic, and to assess the variation of data across age groups. Method(s): A "Sniffin' Sticks" test was undertaken for all patients referred to the PACS clinic. This was correlated with a recent serum VD level. Result(s): 143 patients presented to the PACS clinic over a 10 month period. 84% were under 65 years. 60% of these patients who developed anosmia were found to have VD insufficiency. A similar proportion of patients with hyposmia, and patients with normal smell were found to be VD insufficient (36% vs 34.7%). Within the older cohort, none of the patients with anosmia were deficient in VD, and 7.7% of patients with smell dysfunction had insufficiency. Conclusion(s): There is an association between anosmia and VD deficiency in patients under 65 years of age seen at PACS clinic. This did not reflect in the cohort with hyposmia. In the older age group, the majority of patients had normal VD levels, which may indicate other contributing factors towards the decrease in smell.

Bridging the Gap between Ophthalmology and Emergency Medicine in Community-Based Emergency Departments (EDs): A Neuro-Ophthalmology Guide for ED Practitioners.

Coordination of care for patients with neuro-ophthalmic disorders can be very challenging in the community emergency department (ED) setting. Unlike university- or tertiary hospital-based EDs, the general ophthalmologist is often not as familiar with neuro-ophthalmology and the examination of neuro-ophthalmology patients in the acute ED setting. Embracing image capturing of the fundus, using a non-mydriatic camera, may be a game-changer for communication between ED physicians, ophthalmologists, and tele-neurologists. Patient care decisions can now be made with photographic documentation that is then conveyed through HIPAA-compliant messaging with accurate and useful information with both ease and convenience. Likewise, external photos of the anterior segment and motility are also helpful. Finally, establishing clinical and imaging guidelines for common neuro-ophthalmic disorders can help facilitate complete and appropriate evaluation and treatment.

COVID-19 and isolated oculomotor nerve palsy: Clinical features and outcomes.

AIM: This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with isolated oculomotor nerve palsy from COVID-19 infection, and provide guidance on their treatment and management. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and retrospective analysis on the clinical features and outcomes of patients with isolated oculomotor nerve palsy from COVID-19 reported in literature over the past three years. RESULTS: We analyzed a total of 11 cases; 9 identified in literature from January 2020 to September 2022, together with our two patients. Their median age was 46 years (range 2-65), and three were children. More than half (6/11, 55 %) were without medical history. Oculomotor nerve palsies tended to occur early (longest interval of 16 days), but they can also occur concurrently (2/11, 18 %) or before the appearance of COVID-19 symptoms (1/11, 9 %). COVID-19 symptoms tended to be mild (8/11, 73 %). Oculomotor nerve palsies, however, displayed neither a clear gender predilection, nor consistent clinical features in terms of the severity of extraocular weakness and the involvement of pupillary light responses. Nearly two-thirds (7/11, 64 %) received no pharmacological treatment. Regardless, recovery was complete in nearly all (9/10, 90 %), with most occurring within a month (8/9, 89 %) CONCLUSION: Isolated oculomotor nerve palsies are early but uncommon complications of COVID-19. They affect patients with mild infections, and can be the first symptom. Prognosis is excellent, with recovery being often complete and early. Early discharge and outpatient clinical review, with or without short courses of oral steroids, are reasonable treatment measures.

Rare case of post-COVID transverse myelitis

Case Report: Acute transverse myelitis (TM) is a rare inflammatory disease that typically presents asweakness, sensory alterations, and bowel or bladder dysfunction. Among the causes of TM are infections, paraneoplastic syndromes, or autoimmune conditions of CNS. Postinfectious TM can develop secondary to a viral or bacterial infection. SARS-CoV-2 is a recently discovered viral illness, and sequelae due to COVID-19 infection are still being studied. There is scarce literature relating the two conditions, and it is imperative to raise awareness. A 72-year-old man with hypertension and GERD, completely independent in ADL, was brought to the ED with sudden onset of bilateral lower extremity weakness. He reported symptoms started with difficulty climbing stairs that rapidly progressed to inability to ambulate independently and were associated with bilateral thigh soreness. Nine days prior, he developed fever and generalized malaise, and two days later, SARS-CoV-2 PCR and Ag tests were positive. He received azithromycin, Paxlovid, and dexamethasone as treatment. Upon evaluation, the patient was afebrile and hemodynamically stable. Neurological examination was remarkable for spasticity and hyperreflexia at bilateral lower limbs, clonus, preserved motor strength with adequate sensation to soft touch, and intact vibration and proprioception in all extremities. Cranial nerves were intact. These findings were consistent with an upper motor neuron lesion. On imaging, the Head CT scan was unremarkable. Thoracic/Lumbar Spine MRI was significant for distal thoracic and conus areas with central homogeneous brightness compatible with nonspecific myelitis. Laboratories showed leukocytosis without neutrophilia or bandemia, thrombocytosis, and elevated CRP. HIV and RPR tests were negative. A lumbar puncture for CSF analysiswas remarkable for mild monocytic pleocytosis (7 cell/muL), an increased level of total proteins (56 mg/dL), and normal glucose (57 mg/dL). CSF culture and gram stain were negative. CSF cytology yielded few lymphocytes and few monocytes and was negative for malignant cells. The meningoencephalitis panel was negative. Based on these findings, a clinical diagnosis of postinfectious myelitis secondary to COVID-19was made. The patient was treated with intravenous Methylprednisolone 1 g daily for five days. On follow-up, lower extremity weakness resolved completely, and he resumed his daily physical activities. Patients with COVID-19 infection can present with neurologic manifestations such as headache, myalgias, dizziness, dysgeusia, and anosmia. This case hopes to raise awareness of less commonly known neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection and how the early recognition of symptoms can help expedite the diagnosis and treatment of the condition to avoid long-term sequelae. [Figure presented] Copyright © 2023 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation.

Perspectives on the Pathophysiology, Management, and Relevance of Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction to COVID-19, Part One

Context: Amelioration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction (OGD) disorders has become a common requirement due to COVID-19. Although it's hardly exclusive to COVID-19, OGD's prevalence requires exploration of therapeutic and restorative modalities, on the broadest scale possible. No specific medication or treatment of any noteworthy efficacy exists for OGD. Objective(s): As Part 1 of a three-part article, a narrative review intended to examine the known causes of OGD, not restricted to COVID-19, and frame their relevance for development of new treatments or the repurposing of existing ones. Design(s): The researcher performed a narrative review by searching databases including PubMed, Sciencedirect, Google Scholar, Old Dominion University Libraries, and the websites of various medical journals. Searches included numerous combinations of keywords accompanied by the phrases, loss of sense of smell and taste, olfactory and gustatory dysfunction disorders, as well as the terms anosmia, parosmia, ageusia, and parageusia. Such keywords included viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, parasites, infection, COVID-19, treatments, medications, steroids, supplements, nutrients, alternative medicine, acupuncture, olfactory training, clinical trials, cranial nerves, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and etiology. Setting(s): The Liebell Clinic, Virginia Beach, VA, USA. Result(s): Scientific investigation into mechanisms and treatment of OGD appears to be historically limited and unremarkable. Medical literature spanning decades reports a bleak clinical outlook with an abundance of speculation and hypotheses. Limited evidence of effective or reliable treatment exists, especially for chronic cases. Conclusion(s): With a dismal lack of medical support for a suddenly prevalent, but hardly novel set of maladies of taste and smell perception;the imperative for multifaceted and broad investigations across all medical disciplines is without question. Global urgency for the development of any treatment capable of reducing or resolving OGD triggered by COVID-19 is unprecedented. Part 2 of the current author's three-part series will address the details of current and past treatment approaches and clinical trials.

A Retrospective Study On The Clinical Evaluation And Risk Assessment Of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis In A Tertiary Care Centre

Background: Among young people, cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a major cause of stroke and females are more likely to develop cerebral venous thrombosis. Objective(s): Thus, the present study aimed to study the clinical profile of CSVT in adults and compare them between both genders and specific age groups. Methodology: The clinical characteristics of 40 male and female patients with and without CVT who had been admitted to the Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute, India, from Feb 2020 to Sep 2021 were included. Result(s): Out of 40 patients, 77.5% were female, and 22.5% were male. The most commonly involved cranial nerve was 7th, contributing 15%, while the involvement of cranial nerves 3rd and 6th contributed 5% and 12.5%, respectively. However, 67.5% of patients had no cranial nerve involved. Covid was diagnosed in 4 patients (10%), and the remaining 36 patients (90%) were diagnosed negative for covid. Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) present in 17 patients. Further, we noticed that 7 patients had left sided stroke and 9 were with right sided stroke. The cranial nerve involved was iii, vi, and vii in 1,3 and 6 patients with CVA, while the cranial nerve involved was iii and vi in 1 and 2 patients without CVA respectively. Further, out of 40 patients, Covid was diagnosed in 2 patients with CVA and 2 without CVA. We have observed a statistically significant difference in focal defects only in with and without CVA patients. Conclusion(s): Males were more likely to develop CVT than females, according to a prior international study. A significant risk factor was alcoholism. The gender gap, clinical profile, and risk variables are not significantly different from earlier Indian investigations. Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.

Utility of F-18 FDG PET/CT in a Rare Case of Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome secondary to COVID 19 nasopharyngeal swab trauma, when MRI is inconclusive

Aim/Introduction: Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome (THS) is a rare disease with incidence rate of about 1/106 per year worldwide. Etiology include idiopathic granulomatous, nonspecific unilateral inflammation of the superior orbital fissure- cavernous sinus, causing severe headaches, eye pain, and ophthalmoplegia- paresis of the cavernous sinus nerves, sometimes Horner syndrome. THS is a diagnosis of exclusion that requires careful ruling out of alternative diagnoses. Material(s) and Method(s): We report an interesting case of 45 years old lady, who presented with complains of left sided headache, left eye retro-orbital pain with diplopia (double vision), ptosis and gradual difficulty in eye movements since last 2 months. She had history of nasopharyngeal mucosal swab collection for COVID 19 RT-PCR test after which she started complaints of pain along nasopharynx and later along ipsilateral eye orbit. MRI of brain and bilateral orbit suggested mild relative prominence of peri-optic CSF space along left side, without any abnormality along cavernous sinus or rest of the brain parenchyma. FDG PET/CT (PET/ CT) scan was performed to rule out other cause of THS showed impaired tracer uptake along left eye rectus muscles, suggesting paresis of CN III, IV and VI without any abnormal metabolically active lesion in brain parenchyma or rest of the body. Result(s): Based on clinical, radiological and PET/CT findings presumptive diagnosis of resolving left sided THS secondary to trauma induced inflammation was made. The patient shows clinical improvement after treatment with high dose steroid on follow up. Conclusion(s): PET/CT is helpful in detection of inflammatory tissue is a recognized fact. When MRI is unable to shows any tissue abnormality in cavernous sinus or superior orbital fissure;PET CT can play a role in its ability to demonstrate the paresis of cranial nerves supplying ipsilateral eye extrinsic muscles. Thus reaching the diagnosis of post traumatic inflammatory THS by exclusion. This case of THS with unique PET/ CT findings imply the useful indication of PET/CT in detecting and monitoring of treatment response in THS when MRI is inconclusive.

Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 in a five-year-old child

A new coronavirus infection (COVID-19, Corona Virus Disease 2019) is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, presenting as both a mild acute respiratory viral infection and a severe form, with damage to various organs and systems. In children under 16 years of age infected with SARS-CoV-2, the vast majority of cases were mild, without marked neurological manifestations. This paper describes a case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in a five-year-old child associated with SARS-CoV-2, which caused difficulties in the differential diagnosis with demyelinating diseases and hereditary pathology. The disease was diagnosed in a family where both parents were diagnosed with COVID-19 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The CNS lesion was represented by severe central hemiparesis, involvement of some cranial nerves, with impaired pelvic organ function. During the treatment there was a positive dynamics in the somatic and neurological status. The patient was discharged for outpatient treatment with satisfactory rehabilitation potential. SARS-CoV-2 lesions of the nervous system in children can lead to life-threatening and fatal conditions. Timely diagnosis and a comprehensive approach to the management of a child with encephalomyelitis made it possible to avoid adverse effects of the disease and improve the rehabilitation prognosis. Copyright © 2022 National Academy of Pediatric Science and Innovation. All rights reserved.

Ocular manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID - 19) is caused by novel coronavirus (SARS - CoV - 2), which is widely prevalent around the world and caused global panic. Evidences show that eye transmission is possible, so the ophthalmic medical staff is more likely to be infected. Ocular manifestations of COVID - 19 involve conjunctiva, corneal, sclera, anterior chamber, pupils, retina, optic nerve and visual cortex, extraocular muscles and theirs cranial nerves innervation, orbit and lacrimal system. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common ocular manifestation of COVID-19. In order to protect ophthalmic medical staff from infection and to safely carry out clinical work during the epidemic period of COVID-19, this article summarizes the ocular manifestations of COVID - 19, including epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical manifestation. Copyright © 2022 International Journal of Ophthalmology (c/o Editorial Office). All rights reserved.

Dysphagia in the Presence of Varicella-Zoster Virus and SARS-CoV-2: A Case Report on the Role of Speech-Language Pathology

Purpose: Dysphagia due to cranial nerve neuritis is a rare complication of varicella-zoster virus reactivation. In this case report, we describe a single patient diagnosed with varicella-zoster virus meningitis with acute onset dysphagia, the instrumental assessments and interventions employed by speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and discuss the role of these clinicians in the management of these patients. Conclusion: The results of this case study demonstrate the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach and the vital role of SLPs in the evaluation and treatment of dysphagia of unknown etiology.

Cranial Nerve Impairment Associated With COVID-19 Infections: A Systematic Review.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created huge economic and healthcare burdens. In most cases, the virus affects the lungs and causes respiratory symptoms. Additionally, its impact on the cranial nerves remains unclear. We thus aimed to investigate cranial nerve dysfunction in patients with COVID-19 infection.  We conducted a systematic literature search of relevant and eligible literature in five databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, EBSCO, and Google Scholar.  Our sample included 21 case reports, one case series with 29 patients, and one analytical study with 135 cases. Participant ages ranged from 23 months to 72 years (mean age of 47.5 ± 19.02). The mean time from respiratory symptoms to the onset of neurological signs was (9.6 ± 7.4) days, and the mean recovery time was (16.3 ± 15.3) days.  Cranial nerve impairment associated with COVID-19 infection has affected a large population, from infants to the elderly. Facial and abducent nerves were the most commonly affected cranial nerves with reported good prognosis or complete recovery within a few days to weeks. Olfactory dysfunctions were widely detected among COVID-19 patients.

Multiple cranial nerve palsies with small angle exotropia following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in an adolescent: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Several vaccines against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 have been approved and widely distributed, raising public concerns regarding the side effects of immunization, as the incidence of ease. Although many adverse events following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine have been reported, neurological complications are relatively uncommon. Herein, we report a rare case of multiple cranial palsies following COVID-19 vaccination in an adolescent patient. CASE SUMMARY: A previously healthy, 14-year-old Asian girl with facial palsy presented to the emergency department with inability to close the right eye or wrinkle right side of the forehead, and pain in the right cheek. She had received second dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech) 18 days before onset of symptoms. She was diagnosed with Bell's palsy and prescribed a steroid (1 mg/kg/day methylprednisolone) based on symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging findings. However, the next day, all sense of taste was lost with inability to swallow solid food; the gag reflex was absent. Horizontal diplopia was also present. Due to worsening of her condition, she was given high-dose steroids (1 g/day methylprednisolone) for 3 days and then discharged with oral steroids. Improvement in the symptoms was noted 4 days post steroid treatment completion. At the most recent follow-up, her general condition was good with no symptoms except diplopia; ocular motility disturbances were noted. Hence, prism glasses were prescribed for diplopia relief. CONCLUSION: Small-angle exotropia was observed in the facial, trigeminal, and glossopharyngeal nerve palsies, in our patient. The etiology of this adverse effect following vaccination was thought to be immunological.

Neuromodulation Strategies to Reduce Inflammation and Improve Lung Complications in COVID-19 Patients.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, races across academia and industry have been initiated to identify and develop disease modifying or preventative therapeutic strategies has been initiated. The primary focus has been on pharmacological treatment of the immune and respiratory system and the development of a vaccine. The hyperinflammatory state ("cytokine storm") observed in many cases of COVID-19 indicates a prognostically negative disease progression that may lead to respiratory distress, multiple organ failure, shock, and death. Many critically ill patients continue to be at risk for significant, long-lasting morbidity or mortality. The human immune and respiratory systems are heavily regulated by the central nervous system, and intervention in the signaling of these neural pathways may permit targeted therapeutic control of excessive inflammation and pulmonary bronchoconstriction. Several technologies, both invasive and non-invasive, are available and approved for clinical use, but have not been extensively studied in treatment of the cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients. This manuscript provides an overview of the role of the nervous system in inflammation and respiration, the current understanding of neuromodulatory techniques from preclinical and clinical studies and provides a rationale for testing non-invasive neuromodulation to modulate acute systemic inflammation and respiratory dysfunction caused by SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other pathogens. The authors of this manuscript have co-founded the International Consortium on Neuromodulation for COVID-19 to advocate for and support studies of these technologies in the current coronavirus pandemic.

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.

Retroclival hematomas in adult patients: A systematic review of a rare intracranial hematoma

Objective: Adulthood retroclival hematomas (RCHs) are a rare condition characterized by intracranial bleeding along the posterior aspect of the clivus. There are few reports in the literature that describe these hematomas. There is no agreement on how to treat these hematomas. Methods: An extensive literature review was performed, and the data was classified and analyzed on this topic from January 2000 to January 2022. A systematic review was carried out in accordance with the PRISMA and CARE Guidelines. Results were analyzed and potential clinical links were extracted. Results: Twenty-seven RCHs in adulthood were reported in twenty high-quality articles. 12/27 RCHs in adults were spontaneous. Epidural retroclival hematomas were present in 12/27 patients, while subdural hematomas were present in 13/27 patients. 15 of 22 adult RCHs observed were small in size. Epidural hematomas are typically associated with trauma (9/15 traumatic RCHs), whereas subdural hematomas are more frequently associated with spontaneous bleeding (8/12 spontaneous RCHs). There was one case of hydrocephalus, six cases of cranial nerve palsies (five of which were traumatic), and thirteen cases of intraspinal extension of the hematoma. Seven individuals exhibited craniovertebral instability (100 percent traumatic). Most hematomas were conservatively treated (77.8 percent). 21 hematomas had favorable clinical outcomes. Conclusions: There is a lack of agreement on management protocols for RCHs in adulthood. These hematomas occur almost equally in both the extradural and the subdural spaces, and they are typically small in size. When an RCH occurs in the epidural space, it is more likely to result in cranial nerve palsies and craniospinal instability. Associated craniovertebral anomalies must be thoroughly analyzed in trauma patients. Only patients with a significant mass effect on the brainstem are candidates for surgical hematoma evacuation. It is imperative that future studies on this rare entity adhere to strict publication guidelines.