A hospital-based observational study on clinical and radiographic findings in COVID-19 associated rhinomaxillary mucormycosis: revealing the pandora box

Mucormycosis is a rare, rapidly spreading, fulminant, opportunistic infection that is caused by a group of filamentous molds. During the second wave of COVID-19 India reported most of the cases of mucormycosis which is termed as COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM). Aim: The purpose of this study is to describe and understand the clinical and radiographic findings related to COVID-19 associated rhinomaxillary mucormycosis. Methods: In this observational study 76 individuals with proven rhinomaxillary mucormycosis were included. The demographic profile, predisposing factors, anatomic structures involved, oral manifestations, radiographic findings management, and 90-day mortality were recorded and analyzed. Results: Among 76 individuals with COVID-19-associated rhinomaxillary mucormycosis diabetes mellitus was present in 93.42% of cases. Almost all patients received corticosteroids during COVID-19 treatment. The maxilla was most commonly involved in around 98.6% of cases. Interestingly 1 case involving the mandible was noted and the maxillary sinus was the most commonly involved. Mortality occurred in 1.31% (n=1) of cases. Conclusion: Diabetes was the most common predisposing factor. Administration of corticosteroids was evident. A considerable number of patients developed diabetes during the treatment of COVID-19. Early signs and oral manifestations of rhinomaxillary mucormycosis play a pivotal role in the early diagnosis and prompt treatment to reduce mortality and morbidity in COVID-19 associatedrhinomaxillary mucormycosis patients

COVID-19 associated rhinomaxillary mucormycosis: a case series and review of literature

During COVID-19 pandemic, fulminant deep fungal infection started emerging in India, known as Mucormycosis. This type of mucormycosis was termed as COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM). These patients had previous history of COVID-19 infection. Such cases were mainly reported in immunocompromised patients such as patients with poorly controlled diabetes and chronic renal diseases etc. Rhinomaxillary mucormycosis is an aggressive, fulminant, fatal deep fungal infection of head and neck region. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with the disease; hence we present case series of rhinomaxillary mucormycosis to create awareness amongst dental surgeons