Pulmonary mucormycosis as a presentation of COVID 19: Case series

Indian J Tuberc. 2024 Jul;71(3):366-369. doi: 10.1016/j.ijtb.2024.02.002. Epub 2024 Feb 20.

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary Mucormycosis (PM) is a relatively uncommon fungal disease, usually manifested in immunocompromised patients. It has an aggressive course, along with dilemmas in diagnosis and treatment. In view of the surge of Mucormycosis patients in COVID 19 pandemic, clinicians need to consider PM in suspected cases, and act in an expedited manner to avoid misdiagnosis and initiate prompt treatment.

Case presentation: In this case series, we present four cases of PM with varied presentation, clinical course and discuss management strategies.

Conclusions: A strong suspicion of PM based on epidemiological and clinical findings should be considered, to ensure appropriate and timely treatment. It should be accompanied by judicious use of corticosteroids and aggressive control of comorbid conditions to decrease preventable morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: COVID 19; Mucormycosis; Pneumonia; Pulmonary mucormycosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • COVID-19* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Fungal* / diagnosis
  • Lung Diseases, Fungal* / drug therapy
  • Mucormycosis* / diagnosis
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents