Case Series of Burkholderia Pseudomallei Causing Melioidosis (Pulmonary, Cerebral, and Splenic Abscess)

Burkholderia pseudomallei is soil saprophytic Gram-negative bacilli that cause a fatal disease called melioidosis. Melioidosis is capable of causing cutaneous infection and systemic infections in the respiratory tract, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, urinary, skin and soft tissue, and musculoskeletal and central nervous systems. Here, we report rare forms of pulmonary, cerebral, and splenic abscess case series of melioidosis caused by B. pseudomallei. Imported cases have been reported among tourists, immigrants, and soldiers who returned from endemic areas. The acquisition of infection is through percutaneous, inhalation, and ingestion of contaminated water;person-to-person transmission is very rare. Melioidosis cases are primarily found in the rainfall season and are usually associated with risk factors such as diabetes, alcoholism, and chronic renal diseases. However, 20-26% of cases were not associated with predisposing conditions. The identification is based on colony morphology, Gram stain, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and other supportive automated and molecular assays when we suspect B. pseudomallei. There are two phases, the intensive and eradication phases, in managing melioidosis. In the intensive phase, ceftazidime for 2 weeks showed efficacy in almost 50% of cases, and the eradication phase treatment with co-trimoxazole and doxycycline or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid for 3-6 months showed an excellent response. The improper clinical diagnosis and management of B. pseudomallei can lead to complications. Hence, early diagnosis with microbiological approaches such as culture, biochemical reactions, or automated systems available and antimicrobial sensitivity testing will cure the patient quickly without mortality.Copyright © 2023 The Authors.

Expect the Unexpected: Invasive Central Nervous System (Cns) Aspergillosis in Non-Neutropenic Patients - a Case Series of 15 Patients from India

Intro: Invasive aspergillosis of CNS is a severe form of aspergillosis & is associated with high mortality. Most of these cases are suspected & diagnosed in neutropenic patients. We hereby describe a series of 15 patients with CNS aspergillosis in non-neutropenic patients from a tertiary care hospital in India. Method(s): All patients with clinical & radiological features suggestive of CNS aspergillosis were screened for microbiological evidence of invasive aspergillosis, either by demonstration of hyphae by microscopy or histology, culture or galactomannan assay. Patients demographic details, clinical features, risk factors, diagnosis, management & outcome details were documented. Finding(s): A total of 15 patients were found to have CNS aspergillosis, 5 isolated CNS infections & 10 showing concomitant CNS & pulmonary aspergillosis in one between January 2021 to July 2022. The average age was 41.46+/-14.6y, with majority being male. Among the risk factors, most common ones were fungal sinusitis (46.6%), steroid use (40%), COVID-19 (33.3%). One patient had history of endoscopic sinus repair, another had h/o lung abscess. Most common symptoms of CNS aspergillosis were headache (73.3%), fever (60%), altered sensorium (53.3%) & seizures (47.6%). Radiologically, the common findings included ring enhancing lesion, s/o cerebral abscesses were observed in four patients. Direct microscopy s/o fungal hyphae were reported in 5 patients, with 4 culture positives. Average serum galactomannan was 1, while CSF galactomannan showed better sensitivity with mean CSF galactomannan being 2.53. Almost all patients were treated with Voriconazole based on weight, but showed high mortality of 60% even after initiation of therapy. Complete resolution were seen in only two patients, while 4 patients remaining static in improvement during 6 months follow up. Conclusion(s): Invasive CNS aspergillosis must be suspected even with nonneutropenic patients with newer emerging risk factors like steroid use, COVID-19 & h/o fungal sinusitis presenting with clinical & radiological manifestations.Copyright © 2023

Bacterial Brain Abscess and Life-Threatening Intracranial Hypertension Requiring Emergent Decompressive Craniectomy After SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Healthy Adolescent.

Acute coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection usually results in mild symptoms, but secondary infections after SARS-CoV-2 infection can occur, particularly with comorbid conditions. We present the clinical course of a healthy adolescent with a brain abscess and life-threatening intracranial hypertension requiring emergent decompressive craniectomy after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. A 13-year-old healthy immunized male presented with invasive frontal, ethmoid, and maxillary sinusitis and symptoms of lethargy, nausea, headache, and photophobia due to a frontal brain abscess diagnosed three weeks after symptoms and 11 days of oral amoxicillin treatment. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was negative twice but then positive on amoxicillin day 11 (symptom day 21), when magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 2.5-cm right frontal brain abscess with a 10-mm midline shift. The patient underwent emergent craniotomy for right frontal epidural abscess washout and functional endoscopic sinus surgery with ethmoidectomy. On a postoperative day one, his neurological condition showed new right-sided pupillary dilation and decreased responsiveness. His vital signs showed bradycardia and systolic hypertension. He underwent an emergent decompressive craniectomy for signs of brain herniation. Bacterial PCR was positive for Streptococcus intermedius, for which he received intravenous vancomycin and metronidazole. He was discharged home on hospital day 14 without neurological sequelae and future bone flap replacement. Our case highlights the importance of timely recognition and treatment of brain abscess and brain herniation in patients with neurological symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection, even in otherwise healthy patients.

Encephalic nocardiosis after mild COVID-19: A case report.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) have led to the identification of a complex disease phenotype that is associated with important changes in the immune system. Herein, we describe a unique case of Nocardia farcinica cerebral abscess in an individual with sudden immunodeficiency several months after mild COVID-19. Intravenous Bactrim and Imipenem were prescribed for 6 weeks. After this, a 12-month course of Bactrim and Clavulin was prescribed to be taken orally, given the N. farcinica infection at the level of the central nervous system. This case report highlights the need for future research into the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and PASC immune dysregulation in convalescent individuals. It also draws attention to the need for timely consideration of opportunistic infections in patients with a history of COVID-19.

Stroke in patients with COVID associated Mucormycosis: A Report of Two Cases

Mucormycosis is a rare and invasive fungal disease with potentially fatal outcome. It most commonly affects patients with compromised immunity, especiallly those with poorly controlled diabetes. The incidence of mucormycosis has increased after the COVID-19 pandemic and both COVID-19 and mucormycosis are associated with an increased incidence of stroke. We present a report of two cases of COVID associated mucormycosis who had stroke. A 50-year-old patient with uncontrolled diabetes developed swelling of left eye and face ultimately leading to complete ophthalmoplegia of left eye. Imaging studies of brain revealed infarcts. MRI/MRA brain showed left internal carotid artery thrombosis, cavernous sinus thrombosis and a brain abscess in left temporal lobe. A second patient was a 65-year-old diabetic and hypertensive male who had COVID and then developed right MCA territory infarct and right sided cavernous sinus thrombosis. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy and biopsy was suggestive of mucormycosis in both the cases. Both these cases were managed with combination of tight glycemic control, antifungal therapy, and surgery. Clinicians should be aware of the association of stroke with COVID and COVID associated mucormycosis (CAM). Copyright © 2022 International Medical Sciences Academy. All rights reserved.

Think Fungus! - Clinical profile, Risk factors and Diagnostic Utility of Galactomannan in diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis in Non-Neutropenic patients - A Prospective Study from India

Background. Invasive aspergillosis(IA) is known to occur in immunocompromised patients including neutropenic patients. But there has been a trend of increasing cases in non-neutropenic host with the emergence of newer risk factors like DM, cirrhosis etc. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features & risk factors of IA in non-neutropenic patients & to look at the clinical utility of galactomannan in diagnosis of IA. Methods. This was a prospective observational study which included the suspected cases of IA, based on the clinical & radiological criteria. Patients with haematological & solid organ malignancy were excluded. In patients with suspected Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), serum & BAL, while in patients with suspected CNS IA CSF & serum samples were sent for galactomannan analysis (Platelia ELISA). The clinical features, risk factors, outcomes were analysed. Results. We screened 243 patients with suspected IA, of which 49 nonneutropenic patients with IA (16 Proven & 33 Probable cases) were included. The mean age was 47.8 years. Of all IA cases 69.5% (n=34) were IPA, 20.4% (n=10) were CNS aspergillosis & 10.2% (n=5) showed disseminated form of IA. The common symptoms included Fever (71.4%), cough (71.3%), expectoration (44.7%) & dyspnoea (59.1%) in IPA, while in CNS aspergillosis, presented with fever (73.3%), altered sensorium (53%).The predominant risk factor included previous TB, DM, COVID-19. The radiological manifestations in IPA included the typical cavity (40.4%, n=17), Centrilobular nodules with tree in bud appearance in 56.5% (n=23). The CNS aspergillosis was associated with ring enhancing lesion (41.6%, n=5) with leptomeningeal enhancement (50%, n=6), while cerebral abscess was seen in 16.6% (n=2) patients. The positivity of galactomannan were 24.4%, 91.3% & 87.5% in serum, BALF & CSF respectively. Culture positivity & Direct smear positivity was 18.3% & 28.5% respectively. The overall mortality was 20.4%. Complete response in 3 months follow-up period was seen in 69.3% patients. Conclusion. The clinical manifestations of IA in non-neutropenic are diverse & nonspecific. Also, culture & direct microscopy lack sensitivity, hence diagnostic markers like Galactomannan can be used for early diagnosis of IA in patients with newer emerging risk factors.

Challenging clinical cases

A case of hepato-splenic-renal candidiasis will be discussed with the aim to track down the causative organism and its likely susceptibility. The role of BDG, selection of the antifungal agent, and duration of therapy will be discussed. Acase ofan HIV-infected patient withcryptococcal meningitis, pulmonaryinfection, and pulmonary IRISwillbe discussed. Acase ofCandida auris fungemiaand organ infectionin aliver transplant recipientwho developed seriallyincreasing MIC will bepresented. The relevanceof MIC, tentativebreakpoints, and selectionof antifungal agentsbased on PKPDconsiderations will be discussed. Talamycosis is usually seen in HIV-infected individuals from North East India. Here we discuss a 3-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia from Western India who developed cavitary pneumonia and multiple brain abscesses due to talaromyces. The case posed significant management challenges pertaining to both the fungal infection and cancer. Renal mucormycosis in healthy immunocompetent hosts is an entity generally reported only from India and China. We discuss the case of a previously healthy 3-month-old infant who presented with acute renal failure and renal mucormycosis. The case is unique with respect to the source of infection and management strategy. Treatment of fungal infections involving the draining system of the kidney is challenging mainly due to limited antifungal drug penetration at the site of infection. Challenges in the treatment of amphotericin-resistant Aspergillus terreus pelvicalyceal infections will be discussed. CAPA is a well-known complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but usually involves the lung alone and rarely disseminates when treated. This case illustrates a rare complication of COVID-19, namely endocarditis caused by As-pergillus. Rhinosporidiosis is a well-known disease that usually involves mucosal surfaces in the head and neck. This case illustrates a rare occurrence, namely dissemination to multiple areas and mimicking the clinical presentation of other cutaneous mycoses.

Brain phaeohyphomycosis secondary to immunosuppressant therapy due to Rhinocladiella mackenziei

Two cases of Rhinocladiella mackenziei have been noted in our institute, the first case in 2015 (post-renal transplant) and the second case in 2021 (post-COVID infection). Both the patients had received immunosuppressants for varying dura-tion. Both the cases presented to the hospital with neurological deficit secondary to brain abscess. On initial assessment, the melanized fungus was noted which was later identified as Rhinocladiella on culture and further confirmed with molecular meth-ods. Both the cases were treated with injection of L AmB, voriconazole and 5FC for a prolonged duration and later discharged when the condition improved. The renal transplant patient was advised lifelong voriconazole since he would continue to be on immunosuppressants. To our knowledge, the second patient diagnosed post-COVID could be the first case report of invasive dematiaceous fungal infection in an apparently immunocompetent individual. Both cases also highlight the challenges in man-agement such as designing an appropriate regimen, deciding the optimum duration of antifungal therapy, and managing the toxicities associated with long-term antifungal use. R. mackenziei is a frequently fatal melanized neurotropic fungus known to carry almost 100% mortality despite the combination of antifungal agents and surgery. Central nervous system infections due to R. mackenziei have been exclusively reported from the Middle East, except for cases recently reported from India.

Imaging Features of Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis in Postcovid-19 Patients

Background: An alarmingly rising number of instances of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis, a lethal invasive fungal illness, have been seen among the covid-19 survivors during the second wave in India. This disease is often found in immunocompromised individuals and in those with uncontrolled diabetes. Though the cause is said to be multifactorial the important cause is said to be the use of steroids by the patients without adequate medical supervision. The aim is to using data from 19 individuals with rhinocerebral mucormycosis, consistent radiographic characteristics were identified that might aid in the early identification of this condition. Material(s) and Method(s): A six-month, cross-sectional research carried out at the MGM Hospital in Warangal from May 2021 to October 2021. The 1.5 tesla GE MR SIGNA MRI machine and GE BRIGHTSPEED 16 slice CT unit were used to examine all patients suspected of having acute invasive fungal sinusitis who were either covid-19 positive or had recovered from covid-19 infection. Contrast study is done whenever indicated. Result(s): A total of 81 patients were imaged. On CT scans 23 patients (28.4%) had hyperdense lesions, 36 patients (44.4%) had hypodense lesions and 22 patients(27%) had isodense lesions. On MRI 56 patients (69%)had hyperintense signal and 25 patients (31%) had hypointense signal on T2-Weighted images. Conclusion(s): Mucormycosis is fatal invasive fungal disease which has the propensity to invade the periantral regions, pterygopalatine and sphenopalatine regions, orbits, skull base and in some cases causing fungal abscess in the brain. Imaging is essential for early diagnosis and prompt treatment, which significantly lowers morbidity and death. Copyright © 2022 Necati Ozpinar. All right reserved.

Intracranial Otogenic Complications in Adults: New Factors That Influence its Onset

Aim: To investigate new factors which influence intracranial otogenic complications in adults. Study Design: Retrospective study Place and duration of study: Department of ENT, Services Hospital Lahore from 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022. Methodology: Fifty patients were analyzed in COVID times (2020-2021) with intracranial otogenic complications for determination of new factors for the onset of this disease complication. Hundred patients were assessed from the time period of 2014-2018. The diagnosis was confirmed on the basis of MRI or MRV imaging with intracranial complications. Reverse Transcriptase PCR was also performed on each patient through naso-pharyngeal swab test. The patients age, gender, clinical and comorbidity history, neurological state, immobility, prophylaxis and coagulopathy risks were documented. Result(s): The mean age of the patients was 62.3+/-5.5 years during COVID times and 50.2+/-6.1 years before COVID-19. The PreCOVID-19 period had all males reported with intracranial otogenic complications. While in COVID times 12% females were reported with intracranial otogenic complications such as meningitis, brain abscess as well as Lateral/venous sinus thrombosis. Lateral/venous sinus thrombosis among IOC was more commonly observed in the COVID time. Conclusion(s): Cerebral lateral/venous-sinus thrombosis is appeared to be the rare factor that can be linked with COVID-19. Copyright © 2022 Lahore Medical And Dental College. All rights reserved.

Listerial Meningitis and Brain Abscess With Coexisting COVID-19 Infection in a Young, Immunocompetent Male: A Case Report.

Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is a gram-positive intracellular pathogen that can cause central nervous system infections such as meningitis, meningoencephalitis, rhombencephalitis, or cerebritis. It rarely causes a brain abscess. Listerial meningitis and brain abscess most commonly occur in immunocompromised individuals, neonates, pregnant females, alcoholics, and the elderly. We present a unique case of a young immunocompetent male who presented with listerial meningitis and brain abscess. Coexisting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection was also present. Since LM was not included in the differentials, the standard antibiotic regimen started for the meningitis therapy was ineffective. Remdesivir was administered to treat the coexisting COVID-19 infection. When the lumbar tap polymerase chain reaction pointed out that the causative agent was Listeria, we shifted to ampicillin and gentamicin therapy, to which the patient responded very effectively.LM is an atypical cause of meningitis and brain abscesses. A high index of suspicion is therefore required for early detection and effective treatment of listerial meningitis and brain abscess.

Case report: Nocardial brain abscess in a persistently SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in immunocompromised patients represents a major challenge for diagnostics, surveillance, and treatment. Some individuals remain SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive for a prolonged period. The clinical and epidemiological significance of this phenomenon is not well understood. We report a case of a patient with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who has been persistently SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive for 9 months, with multiple thromboembolic complications, and development of nocardial brain abscess successfully treated with surgery and antibiotics.

45th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Neuroimaging

The proceedings contain 31 papers. The topics discussed include: brain abscess appearing 20 years post craniotomy;postoperative diffusion restriction in the proximal optic nerve: optic neuropathy or central retinal artery occlusion?;magnetic resonance imaging as a prognostic disability marker in clinically isolated syndrome: a systematic review;bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia caused by unilateral infarction;neuroaspergillosis in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia as progressively worsening ischemic infarct;neuroimaging in mitochondrial short-chain enoyl-coa hydratase 1 deficiency: a progressive encephalomyelopathy starting in utero;childhood-onset neurodegeneration with brain atrophy: imaging findings of a rare diagnosis;multiple sclerosis associated with Balo-like lesions post-coronavirus disease 2019;and within-subject reproducibility of quantitative proton density mapping.

ATYPICAL PRESENTATION OF LEGIONNAIRES DISEASE WITH DIVERTICULITIS IN IMMUNOSUPPRESSED PATIENT

CASE: A 69-year-old male smoker with stage 3b prostate cancer managed with abiraterone and prednisone, prior severe COVID-19 pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation, and history of perforated sigmoid diverticulitis presented with 3 days of anorexia, watery diarrhea, and left lower abdominal pain. Two weeks earlier he developed a mild dry cough without fever, dyspnea, or chest pain. There were no sick contacts or recent travel. He was afebrile, and initial routine chemistries and a complete blood count were unremarkable. An abdomino-pelvic CT revealed acute diverticulitis of the distal descending and sigmoid colon. A consolidation at the right lung base was also incidentally noted. Follow up imaging confirmed a multifocal pneumonia on chest Xray. Legionella antigen was detected in the urine. Metronidazole and levofloxacin were initiated with clinical improvement and the patient was discharged home to complete a 10-day course of antibiotics IMPACT/DISCUSSION: Legionella bacteria are gram negative organisms found widespread in soil and bodies of water including lakes, streams, and artificial reservoirs. Transmission is via inhalation of aerosols and a high innoculum is typically needed to cause infection. Host risk factors for infection include older age, impaired cellular immunity, smoking, male sex, and medical co-morbidities such as diabetes mellitus, renal, lung and cardiovascular disease. The two most commonly known syndromes associated with Legionella infection are Legionnaire's disease, a pneumonia occurring typically in the late summer or early autumn months (as in our patient), and Pontiac fever, an acute self- limited febrile illness. The mortality rate for hospitalized Legionnaire's is up to 10%. Extra-pulmonary manifestations are rare and can include skin and soft tissue infections, septic arthritis, endocarditis, myocarditis, peritonitis, pyelonephritis, meningitis, brain abscesses, and surgical site infections. The diagnosis of extra-pulmonary disease requires detection of Legionella at the affected site by culture or polymerase chain reaction. In the absence of a known local Legionella outbreak, our patient's age, sex, smoking status, and underlying immune suppression most likely increased his risk for this sporadic infection. We postulate that the acute diarrhea associated with Legionnaire's disease may have triggered inflammation of his diverticula or the acute diverticulitis was an extra-pulmonary manifestation. To our knowledge, we are the first to report a case of Legionnaire's disease presenting as acute diverticulitis. CONCLUSION: Legionnaire's is a typical disease with many atypical and extra-pulmonary presentations. We present a case of Legionnaire's disease masquerading as acute diverticulitis and urge timely consideration and testing for Legionella in at-risk patients presenting with predominantly GI symptoms and subtle or no respiratory complaints, as it can be life-saving.

Cerebral Aspergillosis in an Immunocompetent Patient after COVID-19 Infection

Fungal brain abscesses are an uncommon condition in the immunocompetent population, especially due to the etiologic agent Aspergillus sp. The emerging coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic brought about neurological manifestations that were previously little known, caused by the direct manifestations of the virus, as well as by the therapy itself, with hospitalization and use of corticosteroids. This highlights the need for attention in the management of patients with neurological disorders and history of virus infection. In the current paper, we report the case of a patient without comorbidities who presented multiple brain abscesses caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, after infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Neuroradiological profile of Rhinoorbitocerebral mucormycosis in COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: To study the radiological presentations of mucormycosis in the study cohorts.The patients were categorized as COVID-19 and diabetes millitus;COVID-19 and non-Diabetes;Non COVID-19 and non-diabetes and these cohorts were analysed. Background: There has been a recent surge of mucormycosis with COVID 19 infection particularly in patients with diabetes.Multicompartmental and extrasinonasal tissue infarction is possible without overt bone involvement and caused by the dissemination of fungal elements from the nasal cavity via perineural and perivascular routes.Fungal vasculitis results in internal carotid artery occlusion and cerebral infarction.Imaging features reflect the angioinvasive behavior of the Mucoraceae family, which cause necrotizing vasculitis and thrombosis resulting in extensive tissue infarction. Design/Methods: This was a Prospective observational study of Rhinoorbitocerebral mucormycosis cases presenting from May to July 2021 to our hospital.The clinical examination findings and neuroimaging features were assessed among the study cohorts. Results: Of the 544 patients the mean age of patients was 51.9 years with a male preponderance (71%).Uncontrolled hyperglycemia was present in 90% of all patients.Ethmoid sinus was the most common paranasal sinus involved by imaging( 86%).The most common site of extrasinus involvement was orbit (76%) and face (57%), followed by orbital apex, masticator space,pterygopalatine fossa.Intracranial extension with involvement of cavernous sinus was seen in 34% of patients, brain abscess(19.2%),internal carotid artery(17%),brain infarction(45.2%),meningeal thickening and enhancement(29.2%),bone and skull base(14%).The most common neuroradiological presentation seen in all cohorts was cavernous sinus thrombosis.The propensity for multiple cerebral abscess and skull base osteomyelitis was more in patients of Rhinoorbitocerebral mucormycosis with diabetes and COVID-19 cohort.Internal carotid artery involvement was predominantly seen in COVID-19 and non diabetic cohort.Limited sinonasal disease was more commonly seen in Non-COVID-19 and diabetes patients of mucormycosis Conclusions: Central to early diagnosis is a high index of suspicion by the clinician and the radiologist.The cavernous sinus was the most common site of intracranial involvement in our study.

A Systematic Review Of Clinical Profile Of Cerebral Abscess In Post Covid Rhino Orbital Cerebral Mucormycosis

Objective: To analyse demographic data, provide an overview of the diverse clinico-radiological presentations of cerebral abscess in post covid ROCM. Background: The vulnerability of COVID-19 patients to ROCM, a spectrum of limited sinonasal, rhino-orbital and rhino-orbital-cerebral disease, often has underlying uncontrolled diabetes, immunosuppressive therapy in moderate to severe cases Design/Methods: We systematically reviewed 65 patients diagnosed with post covid ROCM with cerebral abscess admitted to the hospital during MAY 2021 to AUGUST 2021.Data pertaining to demographic variables, clinico-radiological features were analysed using percentage of total cases Results: Of 65 patients, incidence is more in the age group of 40-60yrs, males are more affected than females. Risk factors - inadvertent steroid use [ 89%], diabetes mellitus [ 81%], CKD [0.07%], HIV[ 0.03%].clinical profile include headache [97%], seizure [80%], vomitings [60%], focal neurologic deficit [18%], encephalopathy [3%]. Radiological profile showed abscess in temporal lobe [49%], frontal lobe [28%], occipital [14%], parietal [6%], optic nerve[ 3%]. Conclusions: Caution needs to be exercised with regard to Glycemic control, widespread usage of corticosteroids to reduce super infections. Expedient commencement of antifungal therapy together with surgical debridement help to improve the survival of these patients. In a country with prevalence of high risk factors and relatively poor resources, covid vaccination programmes should be the topmost priority to avoid massive outbreaks, complications and mortality.

Neurological Spectrum Of Post Covid Rhino Orbital Cerebral Mucormycosis- An Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Centre in South India, Madurai

Objective: To provide an overview of the pattern of neuroaxis involvement and clinicoradiological correlation in post covid rhino orbital cerebral mucormycosis cases. Background: The COVID-19 has spread worldwide since December 2019. In India, the peak of COVID-19 Infections in APRIL 2021 was paralleled by an outbreak of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM), a fulminant angioinvasive fungal infection involving various neural axis. Design/Methods: We systematically reviewed 100 patients diagnosed with post covid ROCM admitted to the hospital during APRIL 2021 to JUNE 2021. Data pertaining to clinicoradiological features were analysed using percentage of total cases. Results: Of 100 patients of post covid ROCM, clinical manifestations include headache[90%], facial pain [88%], ophthalmoplegia [87%], loss of vision [85%], proptosis [85%], dizziness [60%], cerebrovascular accidents [24%], seizures[20%], encephalitis[3%]. Radiological profile suggestive of Cranial nerve involvement [45%], Early cerebritis [40%], Cerebral abscess [25%], Cavernous sinus thrombosis[20%], ICA stenosis[16%], Cerebral infarct[9%], Leptomeningeal enhancement[6%]. Conclusions: Neuroaxis involvement was characterized by a multitude of features pertaining to involvement of cranial nerves, extraocular muscles, meninges, cavernous sinus brain parenchyma and internal carotid artery. High index of suspicion is required to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment in high-risk populations to prevent High mortality.