Author/Authors :
Samimiardestani, hadi Otorhinolaryngology Research Center - Amiralam Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Irani, Shirin Otorhinolaryngology Research Center - Amiralam Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Hasibi, Mehrdad Infectious Disease Department - Amiralam Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Seyedahadi, Maral Neurology Department - Amiralam Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Bastaninejad, Shahin Otorhinolaryngology Research Center - Amiralam Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Firouzifar, Mohammadreza Otorhinolaryngology Research Center - Amiralam Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Mohammadi Ardehali, Mojataba Otorhinolaryngology Research Center - Amiralam Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Berijani, Sina Otorhinolaryngology Research Center - Amiralam Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Erfanian, Reza Otorhinolaryngology Research Center - Amiralam Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Kazemi, Mohammad Ali Department of Radiology - Amiralam Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Etemadi-Aleagha, Afshar Department of Anesthesiology - Amir-Alam Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Rahimi, Abolfazl Department of Ophthalmology - Faculty of Medicine - Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran , Karimi Yarandi, Kourosh Department of Neurosurgery - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Ahadi, Samira Otorhinolaryngology Research Center - Amiralam Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
Introduction: Since the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic, several articles have reported the co-existence
of mucormycosis and COVID-19. This study aimed to distinguish the characteristics of COVID-19-associated
rhinocerebral mucormycosis. Methods: In this case series, 18 patients with COVID-19-associated rhinocerebral
mucormycosis and unique clinical manifestations and outcomes, who were referred to Amiralam Hospital, a
tertiary otorhinolaryngology center, Tehran, Iran, during the COVID-19 era, were reported. Results: Eighteen
patients with the mean age of 62.0 ± 11.6 (range: 42 – 83) years were studied (50% males). The mean time in-
terval between diagnosis of COVID-19 and first manifestation of mucormycosis was 15.5 ± 9.7 days. The most
common presenting symptom was facial paresthesia (72.2%). Fifty percent of patients developed frozen eye.
Palatal necrosis was seen in 7 cases (38.8%). Remarkably, facial paralysis was observed in 5 (27.7%) patients.
Another notable clinical picture was cavernous sinus thrombosis, seen in 7 patients. We also had two cases of
carotid artery occlusion. Three patients, unfortunately, passed away. Conclusion: Rhinocerebral mucormycosis
is one of the most important complications of COVID-19 patients, especially those with underlying diseases. It
seems that the key to proper management of mucormycosis is early diagnosis and timely intervention, which
could give a patient a chance to live more.
