Stroke Due to Mucormycosis in Patients with Recent/Concurrent COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care

Background:

• Rhino-orbital mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection.
• Stroke is an exceptionally uncommon complication of rhino-orbital mucormycosis.
• This study investigates stroke as a complication in mucormycosis patients, with a focus on COVID-19 association.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on a series of patients experiencing stroke secondary to mucormycosis.
• To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of these patients.
• To assess the impact of concurrent or recent COVID-19 infection on stroke outcomes in mucormycosis.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study design.
• Conducted at a tertiary care center in southern India.
• Data collected from August to October 2021.

Main Results:

• 24 patients with mucormycosis-associated stroke were included.
• 20 patients had recent or concurrent COVID-19 infection.
• Poorly controlled diabetes was prevalent (22 patients).
• Altered sensorium was the most frequent presentation.
• Anterior circulation involvement and watershed infarction were common.
• Mortality rate was high, with 22 deaths despite aggressive management.

Conclusions:

• Stroke in the context of mucormycosis has a dismal prognosis.
• Outcomes are particularly poor for patients with concurrent or recent COVID-19 infection.
• Highlights the critical interplay between mucormycosis, COVID-19, and cerebrovascular events.