ABSTRACT
Purpose: Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is a rare opportunistic fungal infection with a fulminant course and an often fatal outcome. It can occur in immune-compromised patients such as those having uncontrolled diabetes, on long-term corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy, with COVID-19 infection, renal failure, AIDS, malignancy, or organ transplant. The aim of our study was to study the epidemiology of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients and identify its risk factors. Methods: Ours was an epidemiological study wherein we gathered the demographic, clinical, histopathological, and radiological data of 458 patients of mucormycosis who presented to us between August 2020 and May 2021. Mucormycosis was defined through clinical and radiological findings or positive culture reports. Results: Out of all, 20.74% of patients did not have any past or concurrent history of COVID-19. The most common symptom of mucormycosis was orbital/facial pain (38.64%) and the most common sign was periocular/facial edema (50.74%). Mucormycosis involving the nose and sinuses (94.54%) was most common followed by rhino-orbital (45.41%) and brain involvement (10.04%). The most common risk factor for mucormycosis was diabetes [81.92%], followed by corticosteroid use [79.69%] and supplemental oxygen [48.90%]. Most of the patients received similar treatment with IV amphotericin B [88.64%] and local debridement [80.74%]. Conclusion: With the third wave of COVID-19 still lurking, a fatal fungal infection should be kept in mind in COVID-19 active as well as recovered patients, especially those who have co-morbid medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes and who are treated with large doses of corticosteroids.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Mucormycosis , COVID-19/epidemiology , Epidemiologic Studies , Humans , India/epidemiology , Mucormycosis/diagnosis , Mucormycosis/epidemiology , Mucormycosis/microbiology , Tertiary HealthcareABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To identify the patterns of ocular injury and to determine ocular morbidity resulting from the use of firecrackers. METHODS: A prospective observational study of all patients presenting with ocular trauma consequent to fireworks usage in a tertiary eye care center in South India over a one-month period around the autumn festival of Diwali. We also reviewed the published literature from around the world reporting ocular injuries due to firecrackers. RESULT: 49 patients were included in the study, out of which the vast majority (40/81%) were males. The mean age was 17 years. Almost an equal number of bystanders (24/48.9%) was affected as compared to people handling the fireworks (25/51%). 13 (26.53%) patients had open-globe injury whereas 33 (67.34%) patients had closed-globe injury. Twenty-two (44.8%) patients underwent surgical intervention. Eighteen (36.7%) patients had final vision less then 20/40 (range = 20/50 to No Perception of Light) with eight patients having no perception of light in the affected eye. CONCLUSION: Unregulated use of firecrackers can lead to significant ocular morbidity, mainly involving children, young males, and even innocent bystanders. A combination of public awareness and appropriate legislative laws should be formulated regarding the use of fireworks to decrease the load of needless blindness on society.
Subject(s)
Blast Injuries/epidemiology , Eye Burns/epidemiology , Eye Injuries/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Blast Injuries/classification , Blast Injuries/surgery , Child , Child, Preschool , Eye Burns/classification , Eye Burns/surgery , Eye Injuries/classification , Eye Injuries/surgery , Female , Holidays , Humans , Incidence , India/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To report a case of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma of the orbit and describe its clinical features, radiological findings and management. METHOD: Interventional case report. RESULT: A 50 year old man presented with right sided proptosis of 3 months duration. CT scan showed well circumscribed lobulated extraconal mass lesion in the inferotemporal qaudrant with specked calcification within. Patient underwent excisional biospsy with excision of mass lesion in toto. Histopathological examination was suggestive of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma of orbit. Post operatively patient was advised radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Orbital mesenchymal chondrosarcoma is a rare tumor characterized by undifferentiated mesenchymal cells with islands of mature hyaline cartilage. Multimodality treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy) may lead to long-term survival.
