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Post-COVID mucormycosis in presentation of periodontal abscess
Ashutosh Agarwal1, Madhu S Ratre1, Guruprasad Uikey2
1Department of Periodontology, Government College of Dentistry, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Abstract:
COVID-19 pandemic has traumatized deep inside in minds and lives of human beings. Those who have survived are at risk of many post-COVID complications; mucormycosis being one of the most common as well as morbid infections. Mucormycosis is also known as black fungus, it is a life-threatening opportunistic fungal infection. Inoculation occurs by inhalation of spores in nose, paranasal air sinuses and in lungs. Mucormycosis is often associated in patients with compromised immunity and it presents with characteristic black necrotic eschar and necrosis. Disease affecting the facial region possess a challenge because it often disseminates with sino-orbital and cranial involvement at the time of diagnosis. Dental practice occasionally encounters unusual and subtle symptoms with non-pathognomonic clinical signs of several fatal diseases which may pretend like a common oral disease. Hence, the key knowledge to oral and primary care physicians and its precise application is necessary for the early diagnosis of such fatal infections to prevent untoward consequences in this COVID era. This article presents a case of mucormycosis with chief complaint of pain and swelling in right front tooth region, which mimicked as periodontal abscess in a patient, leading to delay in the diagnosis possess greater challenges during the treatment.
Insights
Post-COVID mucormycosis, a dangerous black fungus infection, can present subtly in dental patients. Early recognition by dentists is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of this life-threatening condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dentistry
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in opportunistic infections, including mucormycosis.
- Mucormycosis, or black fungus, is a severe fungal infection often affecting immunocompromised individuals.
- Facial mucormycosis presents diagnostic challenges due to potential sino-orbital and cranial involvement.
Observation:
- This case highlights mucormycosis mimicking a dental issue, specifically a periodontal abscess.
- The patient presented with pain and swelling in the right front tooth region.
- Delayed diagnosis occurred because the initial symptoms were non-pathognomonic.
Findings:
- Mucormycosis can present with subtle oral symptoms, masquerading as common dental conditions.
- Early detection of black fungus requires heightened awareness among dental and primary care physicians.
- Prompt diagnosis is essential to prevent severe complications and improve patient outcomes.
Implications:
- Oral healthcare providers must be vigilant for unusual symptoms suggestive of serious infections like mucormycosis.
- Integrating knowledge of post-COVID complications into dental practice is vital for patient safety.
- Timely intervention in cases of suspected mucormycosis can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality.
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