PULMONARY ASPERGILLOSIS POST-TOCILIZUMAB TREATMENT IN A PATIENT WITH COVID-19 PNEUMONIA

ABSTRACT

SESSION TITLE Global Pulmonary Cases SESSION TYPE Global Case Reports PRESENTED ON 10/19/2022 1245 pm - 0145 pm INTRODUCTION: COVID 19 is associated with hyper- inflammation with levels of IL 6 correlating with the severity of COVID 19. IL6 causes increased vascular permeability and endothelial dysfunction and plays a major role in the development of ARDS.[1] Tocilizumab is a monoclonal antibody against the IL6 receptor which is being used for COVID pneumonia. Large randomized controlled trials including REMAP-CAP and RECOVERY reported a mortality benefit of tocilizumab in certain patients [3]. Aspergillus is a mold that causes variety of pulmonary infections depending on host's immune status. In immunocompromised hosts, it causes invasive pulmonary aspergillosis [2]. Symptoms initially are similar to bronchopneumonia cough with sputum, dyspnea, fever not responsive to antibiotics. With disease progression, patients experience pleuritic chest pain and hemoptysis. CASE PRESENTATION 69 y/o female came to ER with complaint of dyspnea and cough. PMH significant for Diabetes. She had a recent admission for COVID 3 weeks ago during which she received tocilizumab. This time, her vitals were HR- 96 RR- 24 Temp- 99.6 BP- 124/72, Sat- 88% on 2L NC. Labs WBC 31.1 D dimer- 2.17 ABG PO2- 61. CT pulmonary angiogram was consistent with left mid lung zone cavitary mass with an air-fluid level measuring 5 x 8 cm in transverse and AP dimension. Patient was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics (vancomycin, cefepime, metronidazole). Sputum cultures, Beta glucan assay, AFB and fungal immunodiffusion panel was ordered. Beta D Glucan assay came positive. Fungal immunodiffusion panel was negative. Bronchoscopy was done and AFB, aspergillus antigen and cultures were collected. BAL aspergillus antigen came positive and KOH fungal culture grew Aspergillus Fumigatus. Voriconazole was started. She was discharged on voriconazole for 12 weeks, ceftriaxone and clindamycin for 6 weeks for antibacterial coverage with plan to repeat CT chest in 3 weeks. DISCUSSION: We use tocilizumab for COVID 19 patients requiring invasive or non invasive mechanical ventilation and CRP ≥7.5 and exclude patients with ANC <2000, platelet <50,000 and history of serious bacterial, fungal or viral infection. This patient did not have any exclusion criteria but developed invasive fungal infection 3-4 weeks later. Due to worsening hypoxia and high D dimer, initial consideration was pulmonary embolism for which CT angiogram was done and a cavitary lesion was found. Differentials were bacterial abscess, tuberculosis or fungal infection. BAL played a crucial role in diagnosing aspergillosis. CONCLUSIONS: In patients presenting with worsening respiratory symptoms post tocilizumab administration we must keep a low index of suspicion for superimposed opportunistic infections including aspergillosis. Appropriate workup including CT chest, sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage for cultures (bacterial, fungal), Beta D Glucan and fungal panel is essential for diagnosis. Reference #1 Tocilizumab in Hospitalized Patients with Severe Covid-19 Pneumonia Ivan O Rosas;Norbert Bräu;Michael Waters;et al. New England Journal of Medicine, v384 n16 (20210422) 1503-1516 Reference #2 Pulmonary aspergillosis a clinical review M. Kousha, R. Tadi, A.O. Soubani European Respiratory Review 2011 20 156-174;DOI 10.1183/09059180.00001011 Reference #3 Interleukin-6 Inhibitors. Available at https//www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov. DISCLOSURES No relevant relationships by Shaylika Chauhan No relevant relationships by Vipul Gidwani