Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of voriconazole in terms of functional recovery and response on imaging in the management of invasive aspergillosis of orbit.
Methods: This was a prospective non-comparative interventional study. Diagnosed cases of invasive orbital aspergillosis were studied in a tertiary care hospital. Intravenous voriconazole followed by oral treatment was given. Sinus debridement was done, where needed. The response to treatment was assessed clinically and on radiology.
Results: A total of 10 diagnosed cases of invasive orbital aspergillosis were studied. Nine cases (90%) occurred in immunocompetent patients. Predisposing sinus infection was seen in 8 patients (80%). The most common presenting complaint was the protrusion of eye. On voriconazole treatment, there was a statistically significant improvement in vision and extraocular movements from first week onwards (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively) and reduction in proptosis from second week onwards (p = 0.003). Imaging was done at three months follow-up which revealed a good response to treatment in 90% of patients. All patients tolerated the drug well except one who had transient hepatic dysfunction. The mean follow-up was 5.8 months (range: 3-12 months). There was no recurrence of disease till the last follow-up.
Conclusion: Invasive orbital aspergillosis commonly presents as sino-orbital disease, mostly in immunocompetent adult patients. Voriconazole is a safe and effective drug with good short-term clinical outcome.
Keywords: Aspergillosis; Fungal infection; Invasive aspergillosis; Orbital infection; Voriconazole.
© 2022 Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services. Published by Elsevier, a division of RELX India Pvt. Ltd.