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Introduction: During the era of COVID-19, an increase has surged in the number of cases of mucormycosis; the use of high doses of steroids, and states of immunosuppression such as diabetes are the main related risk factors. In the treatment of acute leukemia, it is recommended to reduce the dose of chemotherapy, postponing highly myeloablative schemes and the use of caution with monoclonal antibodies. Case presentation: We present the case of a patient (25 years-old male) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and COVID-19 confirmed infection who developed rhino-cerebral mucormycosis during the induction stage. Conclusion: In the age of COVID-19, taking samples through a nasal swab should be avoided in individuals with risk of infection from mucormycosis, such as diabetes, cancer, or individuals treated with high doses of steroids.

Intrathecal chemoprophylaxis prevents central nervous system relapses in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) but few studies have addressed the predictive markers of relapse. Among these, traumatic lumbar puncture (TLP) has been associated with lower disease-free survival (DFS). To investigate the risk posed by TLP on relapse and DFS, we assembled a retrospective cohort including 79 patients with ALL who received intrathecal chemoprophylaxis during 2009 to 2013. One TLP per patient was recorded in 49 cases, and more than one TLP in 3. Mean follow-up was 283 (22–1118) days with an overall DFS of 68%. DFS was significantly lower in the group that had experienced TLP (58% vs 100% [ P = .070]). Multiple TLP posed a greater risk of relapse than single TLP ( P = .001). In conclusion, TLP in adults constitutes a major risk factor, greater than that reported in the large paediatric series.