Management of Post COVID-19 Rhino cerebral Mucormycosis: A case report

Abstract

Mucormycosis is a life-threatening, opportunistic, deep fungal infection frequently evident in patients with moderate to severe forms of COVID-19. It is usually detected within 2-8 weeks after the onset of symptoms and is categorized into six types depending on its location. The rhinocerebral form is most prevalent and involves orofacial structures. The fulminant nature of Mucormycosis necessitates rapid diagnosis and aggressive multidisciplinary treatment planning. This report presents a case of post-COVID-19 rhinocerebral Mucormycosis, where the failure to identify the disease by the dentist led to treatment delay. The patient was successfully managed by a combined approach of surgical debridement and systemic antifungal drug administration. The function and esthetics were restored by prosthetic rehabilitation. Etiopathogenesis of post-COVID-19 Mucromycosis and the dentist’s role in the diagnosis and treatment of mucormycosis following COVID-19 infection is discussed.