Post-COVID-19 rhinocerebral mucormycosis, a life-threatening event in the background of immunosuppressive condition: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: In patients suffering from COVID-19, immunocompromised conditions or immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids may predispose them to early or delayed invasive fungal infections that invade cerebral components. This study, for the first time, describes a case of COVID-19 disease diagnosed with rhinocerebral mucormycosis through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Case presentation: A 32-year-old woman with a history of referral and hospitalization due to COVID-19 about a month ago was being treated with immunosuppressive drugs, manifested by lower extremity plegia. In the imaging assessment, intracranial hemorrhage (thalamus zone) and mass like lesion were revealed. In cytological assessment, acute inflammations associated with fungal infection in accordance with the diagnosis of mucormycosis were definitively confirmed. Despite antifungal medication, consciousness declined one week later, and the patient developed thromboembolism and died. Conclusion In patients with a COVID-19 background of immunosuppressive therapy or clinical situations related to immunosuppression such as uncontrolled diabetes, rhinocerebral mucormycosis will always be an ambush. Therefore, screening and prevention measures should be considered.