Upper Jaw Mucormycosis in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Clinical Report

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Ophthalmology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Mucormycosis is a severe opportunistic infection with increasing incidence, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic.
• It typically affects immunocompromised individuals, including those with diabetes or on corticosteroids.
• Standard treatment involves aggressive surgical debridement and lengthy antifungal therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of maxillary mucormycosis in an immunocompetent patient following COVID-19.
• To evaluate the efficacy of conservative management in such cases.
• To question the necessity of extensive debridement in immunocompetent patients without risk factors.

Main Methods:

• Case report of an immunocompetent patient with maxillary mucormycosis.
• Clinical presentation and diagnostic workup described.
• Treatment approach involving minimal debridement and antifungal therapy detailed.

Main Results:

• The patient, despite being immunocompetent and having no other risk factors, developed maxillary mucormycosis associated with COVID-19.
• The condition responded well to limited surgical debridement and antifungal medication.
• No recurrence or significant complications were observed post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• Maxillary mucormycosis can occur in immunocompetent individuals post-COVID-19.
• Conservative management may be sufficient in select immunocompetent patients.
• This case challenges the universal application of extensive debridement for mucormycosis.