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Imaging and clinical perspectives of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis: An epidemic born out of a pandemic

Purpose: To study the imaging and clinical perspectives of a recent epidemic of rhinocerebral mucormycosis during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic in India. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included clinical and imaging data of 24 diagnosed cases of acute rhinocerebral mucormycosis who were presented to our hospital in May 2021. The clinical profile and imaging data of the patients were documented. Results: 18 patients (75.0%) had moderate to severe COVID-19 illness with a history of oral or intravenous corticosteroid intake. 19 patients (79.2%) had presented with hyperglycemia at the time of admission. Nasal discharges with or without black crusts and facial swelling (79.2%) were the most commonly reported complaints, followed by headaches or facial pain (62.5%). All cases demonstrated the involvement of one or more paranasal sinuses in imaging, with predominantly unilateral involvement. Extra sinusoidal involvement was commonly seen, with abnormalities seen in retromaxillary and masticator space, orbit, face, oral cavity, pterygopalatine fossa, and deep spaces of the neck, cavernous sinus, and brain. Conclusion: An upsurge of mucormycosis cases during the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be closely related to uncontrolled hyperglycemia and corticosteroid therapy. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are invaluable in establishing an early diagnosis, defining the extent of disease, and helping in immediate surgical planning.