Post Covid-19 and Dentistry Revealing the silent condition - Rhino Maxillary Mucormycosis

Abstract


 The author would like to highlight the uncommon condition of rhinomaxillary mucormycosis which presents with a common complaint of periodontal abscess. This is highly significant in the current global scenario of the Covid-19 pandemic, as this deadly condition if diagnosed timely (by the dental surgeon) can save lives and prevent serious lifelong morbidity. Acute lung damage in Covid-19 was controlled worldwide by administering corticosteroids. This led to transient hyperglycemia, which coupled with low immunity served as an ideal environment for the fungal spore’s growth and proliferation.1 Species like Candida, Aspergillus and Rhizopus are normally not virulent in healthy individuals but can cause disseminated fatal infections in an immune-compromised host.2 Infection caused by these opportunistic pathogenic fungi present with non-specific symptoms and are often difficult to diagnose. Mucormycosis is the third most common opportunistic fungal infection caused by Rhizopus.3 Two such cases reported to the Department of Periodontics, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi with similar oral findings and common history of Covid-19 recovery. Both the patients were on 3 weeks of steroid therapy during which they had transient hyperglycemia. After 4 weeks of recovery, they developed painful gum boil/s. Clinical findings revealed periodontal abscess and tooth mobility.