COVID-19-Associated Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis with Diabetic Ketoacidosis in a Patient with Recurrent SARS-CoV-2 Positivity: A Case Report

Athulya  G; Chris Alvis  Shaji; Sanal K Thomas; Ajeesh Koshy; Ajith Vijayan

Athulya G Asokan, Assistant Professor, Department of General Medicine, Government medical College ,Kottayam, Kerala, India
Chris Alvis Shaji Senior Resident, Department of Preventive Health and Wellness, Medanta-The Medicity, Gurugram, Harayana, India
Sanal K Thomas Senior Resident, Department of Neurology, Jubilee Medical College, Trissur, Kerala, India
Ajeesh Koshy Senior Consultant, Parimala Hospital, Parumala, Kerala, India
Ajith Vijayan Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Sree Gokulam Medical College and Research Foundation Thiruvananthapuram, India

Keywords: Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis, Covid-19, Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Reinfection, Opportunistic Fungal Infection

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented rise in opportunistic fungal infections, particularly mucormycosis, in patients with uncontrolled diabetes. We present a case of a 52-year-old woman with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism who developed rhino-orbital mucormycosis during a suspected re-infection with SARS-CoV-2, along with diabetic ketoacidosis. The case highlights the syndemic interaction between COVID-19 and chronic metabolic diseases and emphasises the need for early recognition of red flag symptoms. Early diagnosis, antifungal therapy, and multidisciplinary management were crucial in achieving a favourable outcome.

How to cite this article:
Athulya G, Shaji C A, Thomas S K, Koshy A, Vijayan A. COVID-19-Associated Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis with Diabetic Ketoacidosis in a Patient with Recurrent SARS-CoV-2 Positivity: A Case Report. J Commun Dis. 2026;58(1):163-167.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202621

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