A Case of Post-COVID-19 Rhino-Cerebral Mucormycosis in an Immunocompromised Patient

Abstract

Mucormycosis is a fulminant angioinvasive fungal infection that occurs in an immunocompromised condition, most commonly in diabetic patients. Rhino-cerebral and pulmonary infections are common but may also lead to disseminated disease associated with a high mortality rate (almost 100%). Here we report on an elderly diabetic lady presented with a headache and altered level of consciousness and periorbital swelling following coronavirus disease 2019 . Imaging studies revealed a single large space-occupying lesion in the frontal lobe extending to the left orbit and sinusitis. An excisional biopsy was taken from the middle meatus of the nasal cavity and histopathology findings were broad aseptate hyphae branching at the right angle which suggests mucormycosis. Liposomal amphotericin B was started but the patient developed acute kidney injury (AKI) and bi-cytopenia (thrombocytopenia and anemia) followed by sepsis resulting in death. Though this is a rapidly progressing disease with a high mortality rate, a strong level of suspicion and early diagnosis can save lives.