Post-Covid Orofacial Mucormycosis: A Clinico-Radiological Classification System and Management Protocol

In the wake of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, a substantial number of individuals were afflicted by orofacial mucormycosis post-COVID. The immunocompromised state rendered by the SARS-COV2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2) infection provides a breeding ground for the opportunistic mucor invasion. Corticosteroid and COVID-induced hyperglycemia contribute to the unhindered progress of the mucor infection in these patients. The sino-nasal region serves as the entry point and rapid progress of the disease to the oral cavity, mid-face, orbits, and ultimately the brain proves fatal.

The aim of this study was to present a definitive clinico-radiological staging/classification system for patients of post-covid mid-face mucormycosis based on combined radiographic and clinical features for subsequent convenient staging of maxillofacial mucormycosis. The objectives are being to lay down a comprehensive management protocol for these patients.

This retrospective study consisted of a cohort of 31 patients presenting to a tertiary care center over a 12-month period and diagnosed as post-covid mucormycosis. Their clinical features at the time of presentation along with radiographic presentation/extent of anatomical destruction were combined to create a clinico-radiological staging system. Further, a comprehensive management protocol including cultures, surgery and chemotherapy has been laid down.

This included 18 males and 13 females. Average age of the patients was 53.5 years. As per the clinico-radiological system formulated by the authors, 2 patients (1 males and 1 females) displayed features of Stage 0, 12 patients (7 males and 5 females) of Stage 1-A, 8 patients (5 males and 3 females) of Stage 1-B, 6 patients (4 males and 2 females) and 3 patients (1 male and 2 females) of Stage 3.

The lacuna of a comprehensive staging/classification system for patients of maxillofacial mucormycosis was felt by the authors while treating those affected by post-covid mucormycosis along with a detailed algorithm for management of the study population. It is to this effect that this clinic-radiological classification system has been suggested by the authors along with a management protocol.