Atypical Management of Stroke Caused by Mucormycosis: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Mucormycosis is an opportunistic infection that affects immunocompromised patients, especially those with uncontrolled diabetes. Clinical presentation depends on the site of infection. Complications arise when the pathogen invades the host tissue causing vascular necrosisand distortion. Disease course is fast, and most of the time it has a poor or fatal outcome. Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is the most common presenting form. Although initial complaints include fever, sinusitis, nasal discharge, headache, facial pain, and swelling, it should be kept in mind that patients might present during the complication period with a hemiparesis or altered mental status. Here, we present a case of patient who presented with a stroke and further workup revealed the presence of mucormycosis. According to our knowledge, this is the first case of mucormycosis complicated with stroke that was managed with thrombolysis.

Keywords:

• mucormycosis
• stroke
• thrombolysis

Data Sharing Statement

All data related to this case are available in our records by contacting the corresponding author.

Statement of Ethics

This paper was reviewed and approved by the HMC research center, approval number MRC-04-23-131.

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of the details of their medical case and any accompanying images.

Acknowledgement

We thank the Medical Education Department of Hamad Medical Corporation for supporting this event.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare for this work.

Additional information

Funding

Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library.