COVID-19 Associated Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis: A Proposed Classification and Treatment Strategies.

Abstract

Mucormycosis is a rare fungal disease, which was known to affect only immunocompromised hosts, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, a surge in the cases of rhino- orbital-cerebral mucormycosis have been reported; however, the cause is still unknown. As the disease was a rare entity, there was no classification considering the spread and proper management at various stages. Extensive literature search with the terms "mucormycosis," "invasive fungal sinusitis," "COVID-19 associated mucormycosis," and "mucormycosis in COVID-19" was conducted on Pubmed, Scopus, and Embase database, taking into consideration case histories, revealing the site of involvement and treatment based on the disease's extent. Relevant articles were analyzed, and it was found that there is no specific classification of the disease entity and no proper surgical and medical management guidelines to date, Conclusion: This review is an attempt to elaborate on the pathophysiology of mucormycosis and its spread and propose a classification that will help determine policies for the control and prevention of complications, morbidity, and mortality.