COVID-19 Associated Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis Complicated by Gangrenous and Bone Necrosis—A Case Report from Honduras
Elsa Palou, María Auxiliadora Ramos, Emec Cherenfant, Adoni Duarte, Itzel Carolina Fuentes-Barahona, Lysien I. Zambrano, Fausto Muñoz‐Lara, Sandra Aracely Montoya-Ramirez, Alex Francisco Cardona-Ortiz, Jorge Alberto Valle-Reconco, Juan José Montenegro-Idrogo, D. Katterine Bonilla‐Aldana, Alberto Paniz‐Mondolfi, Alfonso J. Rodríguez‐Morales
Abstract
BACKGROUND: associated infections, now termed COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM), have been reported. Despite an increase in fatality reports, no cases of rhino-orbital CAM complicated with gangrenous bone necrosis have been described in the literature to date. CASE: A 56-year-old male with a recent COVID-19 diagnosis developed rhino-orbital mucormycosis after 22 days of treatment with dexamethasone. Cultures and histopathological assessment of tissue biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. The patient survived after treatment with amphotericin B. CONCLUSIONS: Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection affecting mostly immunocompromised patients. Along with the COVID-19 pandemic, the inappropriate use of steroids, in addition to concurrent risk factors, such as diabetes, has led to an increase in the occurrence of these devastating mycoses, leading to the development of severe presentations and complications, as observed in many cases. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in order to avoid dissemination and fatal outcomes.