Rhino-orbital-cerebral zygomycosis in solid organ transplant recipients

Hsin-Yun Sun1, Graeme Forrest, Krishan L Gupta

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Transplantation
|July 14, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Rhino-orbital-cerebral zygomycosis in solid organ transplant recipients has a high mortality rate, especially with central nervous system involvement. Lipid formulations of amphotericin B and surgery improve survival, while older age increases risk.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Transplant Medicine

Background:

  • Rhino-orbital-cerebral zygomycosis is a severe fungal infection in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients.
  • Limited data exists on the specific characteristics and outcomes of this condition in SOT patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize rhino-orbital-cerebral zygomycosis in SOT recipients.
  • To identify factors associated with mortality and survival in these patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study of SOT recipients with zygomycosis was conducted.
  • Literature review identified additional cases from 1950s to 2009.
  • Patients with sinus, orbital, or central nervous system (CNS) involvement were included.

Main Results:

  • 90 SOT recipients had rhino-orbital-cerebral zygomycosis; 57% had CNS disease.
  • Overall mortality was 52.3%, rising to 73.5% with CNS involvement.
  • Older age increased mortality risk, while lipid amphotericin B and surgery improved survival.

Conclusions:

  • Rhino-orbital-cerebral zygomycosis, especially with CNS disease, carries a high mortality rate in SOT recipients.
  • Older age is a significant risk factor for mortality.
  • Lipid formulations of amphotericin B and surgical intervention are associated with better outcomes.