Rhino-Orbital Cerebral Mucormycosis in a Non-diabetic Patient Following COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review

Cureus. 2022 Dec 23;14(12):e32884. doi: 10.7759/cureus.32884. eCollection 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis has been commonly seen during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Several factors responsible for etiology and pathophysiology have been identified, among which corticosteroids and diabetes have contributed to the lion's share of the outbreak of mucormycosis. In this report, we discuss a case of a 41-year-old non-diabetic male with a recent convalescence from COVID-19 infection presented with gradual vision loss and loss of sensations in his right eye. He was found to have periorbital swelling, restriction of extraocular movements in all gazes, chemosis, ptosis of the right eye, and right maxillary sinus tenderness. His serum investigations, radiologic findings, and blood culture were indicative of rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis. He was started on systemic liposomal amphotericin B immediately and underwent aggressive surgical debridement. A high index of clinical suspicion, aggressive multifaceted management, and follow-up are needed to have successful outcomes, thereby lowering the morbidity of coronavirus-associated mucormycosis.

Keywords: coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19); diabetes mellitus; mucormycosis; rhino-cerebral mucormycosis; rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports