ABSTRACT
Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic fungal infection caused by Mucorales and associated with high mortality rates. Rhino-orbito-cerebral localization usually occurs in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. We report the case of a 41-year-old male, with previously undiagnosed diabetes, who presented with unilateral facial extensive black eschar and signs of diabetic ketoacidosis. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed left pansinusitis, left craniofacial edematous infiltrate, and left proptosis. A left internal temporal abscess was identified at an early pre-suppurative stage. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed total occlusion of the left intracranial internal carotid artery. A histopathological study of nasal mucosa biopsy suggested mucormycosis. According to the clinical presentation and the radiological and histopathological findings, rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis was presumed. Culture of nasal, ocular, and skin lesion specimens grew Rhizomucor sp. and confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was treated with systemic liposomal amphotericin B. He died of multiple organ failure before surgical debridement was possible as he was in critical condition requiring stabilization before surgical treatment.
ABSTRACT
Background and Purpose: Onychomycosis is a very common cosmopolitan onychopathy. It affects the fingers and toes, which are important organs of function and socialization. They can cause physical and psychological discomfort. In this regard, the present study aimed to assess the impact of onychomycosis on the quality of life of patients. Materials and Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was carried out in the parasitology-mycology laboratory of the Avicenne Military Hospital in Marrakesh, Morocco, over 5 months between June and October 2022. The study population was all the patients referred to the laboratory for mycological examination of a nail lesion suspected of onychomycosis of the hands and/or feet. Results: Onychomycosis was confirmed in 50 patients. Pain, nail thickening, and dyschromia were the most commonly reported symptoms (56%). Onychomycosis had an impact on at least one of the socio-economic, emotional, or functional aspects of the lives of affected patients. More than half (56%) of participants felt embarrassed by the appearance of their nails, 40% hid them, and 28% had a complex about them. The functional aspect was the most bothersome and the time spent on nail care concerned the patients (56%), as well as the discomfort reported when wearing shoes (40%). Women were more worried about the need to hide their nails. A duration of onychomycosis evolution of over 5 years was associated with the highest response rate to the questionnaire (66%). Conclusion: Although onychomycosis is not a fatal pathology, it significantly reduces the quality of life of affected patients. There is a need to raise the level of awareness of the general population and, above all, of the medical professionals to ensure comprehensive management of onychomycosis.
ABSTRACT
We describe the case of a 7-year-old child, victim of ocular trauma causing a corneal wound that was sutured urgently. The child has been regularly monitored in our department. Few months later, he consults for a painful red eye evolving within two weeks. The use of voriconazole as an intracameral injection has shown its superiority in treating fungal endophtalmitis. Further studies should be underwent to learn more about better injection strategies and so as to consider better its benefits and side effects.
Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents/administration & dosage , Voriconazole/administration & dosage , Child , Corneal Injuries/complications , Corneal Injuries/surgery , Eye Infections, Fungal/drug therapy , Humans , Injections, Intraocular , Male , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Imported malaria is being seen with increasing frequency in non-endemic areas. Severe forms represent 10% of cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. In Morocco, more than 50 cases of malaria occur each year, 83% of which with Plasmodium falciparum malaria. All patients with severe malaria admitted to the Intensive Care Unit during the period between 1 November 2009 and 31 December 2015 were enrolled in our study. The main epidemiological data, the reasons for admission, the management and the outcomes of patients were studied. Thirteen patients were included in our study. The average age was 31 years. All patients had been living in sub-Saharan Africa and had no immunity to malaria. Chemoprophylaxis was adequate in 33% of cases. The mean time between symptom onset and treatment initiation was six days. Mean initial parasitemia was 12%. The main reasons for ICU admission included coma (15%), convulsion (07%), respiratory distress 07%), prostration (07%), renal failure (07%), shock associated with jaundice and acidosis (07%) and kidney failure associated with coma (07%). All patients were treated with intravenous quinine loading dose. Mortality rate was 23%. The causes of death were multi-system organ failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Mortality associated with severe malaria remains high. The adequacy of chemoprophylaxis associated with early diagnosis and treatment would significantly improve the prognosis of this parasitic infection.
