RESUMEN
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome is a rare and novel clinical presentation described during the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. The condition is usually presenting as a sepsis-like syndrome leading to secondary multi-organ dysfunction post-COVID-19 infection. Although the syndrome has been mainly described in children, rare adults' form has been similarly described. We are describing a 37-year-old female patient presented with fever and neck pain after 1 month of a mild SARS-CoV-2 infection course and 10 days post her second COVID-19 vaccine. Examination demonstrated fever, hypotension, and hypoxemia, in addition to multiple tender cervical lymph nodes. Initial laboratory workup showed evidence of significant inflammation with raised markers, including C-reactive protein, ferritin, and interleukin-6. Extensive evaluation to rule out active infection was done, and all return negative, including repeat SARS-CoV-2 test. Furthermore, cardiac evaluation showed moderately reduced systolic ventricular function. Despite all negative test and supportive measures, the patient continued to deteriorate requiring critical care admission for ionotropic support, non-invasive ventilation in addition to presumptive broad-spectrum antimicrobial management. There was no significant improvement with supportive care until the presentation of multisystem involvement on in the context of a recent history of COVID 19 and negative infective screen was raised. The diagnosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome-adult form (MIS-A) was embraced, and the patient was commenced on methylprednisolone leading to a dramatic resolution of symptoms both clinically and biochemically with stabilization of vital functions allowing for safe outcomes.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Malignant otitis externa (MOE) is a serious infection of the external auditory canal that is frequently associated with skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) as well as secondary neurological sequelae. Patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus or immunosuppression are at increased risk of developing such critical infection for multiple local and systemic factors. While most cases are secondary to bacterial infections particularlyPseudomonas aeruginosa, fungal infections are also occasionally encountered, often associated with delayed diagnosis and high morbidity and mortality. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 63 years old man with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus who presented with symptoms and signs of MOE, supported by radiological assessments. The patient was treated presumptively with a prolonged course of antibiotics without clinical improvement, coupled with progression of radiological findings and significant disease extension. Reassessment with biopsies and tissue cultures from external auditory meatus, tempo-mandibular bone, as well as base of the skull grew Candida orthopsilosis. The patient received induction treatment with high dose liposomal amphotericin followed by fluconazole to control disease progression and complications. CONCLUSION: Candida MOE with secondary skull base osteomyelitis is rare and difficult to diagnose with no clear guidance on assessment and management. Clinicians should be aware of the unusual presentations where microbiological and histopathological evaluations are essential for proper management.