Title: Post Covid-19 Cerebellar Mucormycosis Without Apparent Rhino-Orbital or Ear Involvement – A Case Report
Authors: Dr Poonia Nemi Chand, Mch (Neurosurgery), Director & Senior Consultant, Dr Mangal Akshay, Mch (Neurosurgery), Junior Consultant, Dr Faujdar Mansi, MD (Pathology), Consultant
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v9i6.46
Abstract
Fungal infection of the central nervous system, especially intracranial mucormycosis are very rare. It is not an independent disease, but a secondary opportunistic infectious disease. There is an increase in the incidence of mucormycosis in post Covid-19 infection patients. It can be attributed to impairment of barrier defense, dysfunction of phagocytes and lymphocytes and the use of immunosuppressive medications such as steroids and toclizumab. There is usually some evidence of rhino-orbital or ear involvement in the cases in intracranial mucormycosis. We present a rare case of a 48 year old male patient with a history of Covid-19 infection who presented with apparent isolated cerebellar mucormycosis.
Keywords: Covid-19, Mucormycosis, Intracranial Mucormycosis
Key Message: Cases of invasive mucormycosis have increased in this Covid era. Patients with Covid-19 infection are susceptible to mucormycosis because of impairment of barrier defense, dysfunction of phagocytes and lymphocytes and the use of immunosuppressive medications such as steroids and toclizumab. Treating clinicians need to be aware of the possibility of mucormycosis, in such patients particularly in those with underlying comorbidities. Early diagnosis and treatment of secondary fungal infections can substantially reduce morbidity and mortality.
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