Post Covid rhino - Orbital cerebral mucormycosis among Indian patients

The clinical profile, risk factors, diagnostic methods, therapeutic interventions and outcomes of post-COVID rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) cases in a tertiary care center in Eastern India is of interest. This prospective study included 102 post-COVID patients diagnosed with rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis over one year at a tertiary care center. Clinical data, imaging, microbiological findings, treatments and outcomes were recorded. All patients received antifungal therapy, with surgical intervention as needed. Out of 102 post-COVID patients diagnosed with rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis, 79.4% had diabetes mellitus and 85.3% had a history of corticosteroid use. Orbital involvement was seen in 74.5% of patients, with cerebral extension in 33.3%. Surgical intervention was required in 76.4% of cases and the overall mortality rate was 18.6%. Post-COVID mucormycosis is a rapidly progressive and life-threatening infection strongly associated with diabetes and corticosteroid use. Early diagnosis, prompt antifungal therapy and timely surgical intervention are critical for improving outcomes.