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Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Apr 2021Pulmonary mucormycosis (PM) is increasingly being reported in immunocompromised patients and has a high mortality. Our aim was to assess the mortality of PM and its... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Pulmonary mucormycosis (PM) is increasingly being reported in immunocompromised patients and has a high mortality. Our aim was to assess the mortality of PM and its trend over time. We also evaluated the role of combined medical-surgical therapy in PM.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane central databases. Studies were eligible if they described at least five confirmed cases of PM and reported mortality. We also assessed the effect of combined medical-surgical therapy versus medical treatment alone on PM mortality. We used a random-effects model to estimate the pooled mortality of PM and compared it across three time periods. The factors influencing mortality were assessed using meta-regression. We evaluated the risk difference (RD) of death in the following: subjects undergoing combined medical-surgical therapy versus medical therapy alone, subjects with isolated PM versus disseminated disease, and PM in diabetes mellitus (DM) versus non-DM as a risk factor.
RESULTS
We included 79 studies (1544 subjects). The pooled mortality of PM was 57.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 51.7-62.6%). Mortality improved significantly over time (72.1% versus 58.3% versus 49.8% for studies before 2000, 2000-2009, and 2010-2020, respectively, p 0.00001). This improved survival was confirmed in meta-regression after adjusting for the study design, the country's income level, and the sample size. Combined medical-surgical therapy was associated with a significantly lower RD (95%CI) of death: -0.32 (-0.49 to -0.16). The disseminated disease had a higher risk of death than isolated PM, but DM was not associated with a higher risk of death than other risk factors.
CONCLUSIONS
While PM is still associated with high mortality, we noted improved survival over time. Combined medical-surgical therapy improved survival compared to medical treatment alone.
Topics: Humans; Lung Diseases, Fungal; Mucormycosis
PubMed: 33418022
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.12.035 -
Open Forum Infectious Diseases Oct 2019Rhinosinusitis, malignant otitis externa, and skull base osteomyelitis represent a spectrum of cranial invasive fungal disease (IFD). These syndromes have distinct...
BACKGROUND
Rhinosinusitis, malignant otitis externa, and skull base osteomyelitis represent a spectrum of cranial invasive fungal disease (IFD). These syndromes have distinct characteristics, yet they may progress to involve similar structures, resulting in inflammation and invasion of the adjacent internal carotid artery (ICA). Invasive fungal carotiditis can have devastating consequences, including cerebral infarction, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and death.
METHODS
We retrospectively studied all patients diagnosed with cranial IFD and carotid involvement at our institution from 2003 to 2018. We also searched Medline/PubMed for reports of or cranial infections with ICA involvement. All cases with mycologic evidence of cranial IFD and radiographic or pathologic evidence of ICA involvement were included.
RESULTS
We identified 78 cases of invasive fungal carotiditis between 1958 and 2018, including 4 cases at our own institution. Forty-one were caused by and 37 by species. Presenting symptoms included vision changes (73%), cranial nerve palsy (69%), and headache (42%). Carotid events included occlusion, aneurysm formation, and vessel rupture. Cerebral infarcts occurred in 50% of cases. Mortality at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 2 years was 27%, 41%, and 71% respectively. The median time from symptom onset to death was 150 days for cases due to and 51 days for cases due to species.
CONCLUSIONS
Invasive fungal carotiditis is a rare but morbid manifestation of cranial IFD. Early suspicion of IFD and administration of antifungal treatment, vascular imaging, and endovascular interventions should be considered to reduce the high mortality of this disease.
PubMed: 31660355
DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz392 -
Mycopathologia May 2021Severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is currently managed with systemic glucocorticoids. Opportunistic fungal infections are of concern in such patients. While COVID-19...
Severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is currently managed with systemic glucocorticoids. Opportunistic fungal infections are of concern in such patients. While COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis is increasingly recognized, mucormycosis is rare. We describe a case of probable pulmonary mucormycosis in a 55-year-old man with diabetes, end-stage kidney disease, and COVID-19. The index case was diagnosed with pulmonary mucormycosis 21 days following admission for severe COVID-19. He received 5 g of liposomal amphotericin B and was discharged after 54 days from the hospital. We also performed a systematic review of the literature and identified seven additional cases of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM). Of the eight cases included in our review, diabetes mellitus was the most common risk factor. Three subjects had no risk factor other than glucocorticoids for COVID-19. Mucormycosis usually developed 10-14 days after hospitalization. All except the index case died. In two subjects, CAM was diagnosed postmortem. Mucormycosis is an uncommon but serious infection that complicates the course of severe COVID-19. Subjects with diabetes mellitus and multiple risk factors may be at a higher risk for developing mucormycosis. Concurrent glucocorticoid therapy probably heightens the risk of mucormycosis. A high index of suspicion and aggressive management is required to improve outcomes.
Topics: Adenosine Monophosphate; Alanine; Antiviral Agents; COVID-19; Diabetes Complications; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Male; Middle Aged; Mucormycosis; Rhizopus; Risk Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33544266
DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00528-2 -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine Apr 2021Pulmonary mucormycosis caused by Mucorales is a highly lethal invasive fungal infection usually found in immunocompromised patients. Isolated pulmonary mucormycosis in...
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary mucormycosis caused by Mucorales is a highly lethal invasive fungal infection usually found in immunocompromised patients. Isolated pulmonary mucormycosis in immunocompetent patients is very rare. Here, we present a case of a 32-year-old male who developed pulmonary mucormycosis without any known immunodeficiency.
CASE PRESENTATION
The patient presented to our hospital because of cough and chest pain along with blood in the sputum. He was first treated for community-acquired pneumonia until bronchoalveolar lavage fluid culture confirmed the growth of Absidia. His symptoms were relieved with the use of amphotericin B, and he eventually recovered. We also provide a systematic review of relevant literature to summarize the characteristics of pulmonary mucormycosis in immunocompetent patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Pulmonary mucormycosis has variable clinical presentations and is difficult to identify. Due to its high fatality rate, clinicians should make judgements regarding suspected cases correctly and in a timely manner to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Immunocompetence; Lung Diseases, Fungal; Male; Mucormycosis
PubMed: 33906622
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-021-01504-8