COVID-19-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis: a single center prospective study of 264 patients

Outbreaks of mucormycosis were reported worldwide throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We report clinical outcomes of a treatment protocol for COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM).

Patients with biopsy-proven mucormycosis and COVID-19 were included. All received intravenous amphotericin B deoxycholate 1 mg/kg and surgical endoscopic sinus debridement (FESS). Those with rhino-orbital or cerebral disease limited to the cavernous sinus were eligible for transcutaneous retrobulbar amphotericin B (TRAMB). Patients were followed with weekly imaging, endoscopic examinations, and serial debridement as necessary. Patients were discharged on oral posaconazole for 6 months.

In total, 264 patients were followed for a mean of 2.5 months. On presentation, 163 patients (174 eyes) had eye involvement. Of these, 141 eyes (81.0%) had light perception or worse vision. By the last follow-up, 163 patients (176 eyes) were affected, and of these, 96 eyes (54.5%) had no light perception. Twenty-one patients (8%) died and 3 orbits (0.5%) were exenterated. There was no change in mortality (p = 0.38) or exenteration (p = 0.38) in the 55 patients who received TRAMB compared to patients with rhino-orbital or cerebral disease limited to the cavernous sinus who did not. Asymptomatic COVID-19 was associated with higher mortality than symptomatic COVID-19 (p = 0.025). Uncontrolled diabetes was a risk factor for death (p = 0.022). New diabetes was associated with increased mortality versus pre-existing diabetes (p = 0.005).

A multidisciplinary approach is crucial to manage COVID-19-ROCM. In our cohort, TRAMB therapy did not increase mortality or exenteration rates. While poor vision on presentation was profound, some vision recovery was noted with treatment. COVID-19 immune dysregulation may predispose patients to ROCM, particularly those with asymptomatic disease.