SPECTRUM OF IMAGING FEATURES (MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING) IN RHINO-ORBITAL-CEREBRAL MUCORMYCOSIS (ROCM) IN COVID-19 TREATED PATIENTS: CASE SERIES OF 15 PATIENTS

Abstract

Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis is a potentially fatal fungal infection that commonly affects diabetic and immunocompromised patients but in recent time during the second wave of COVID- 19 infection in India a sudden rise of mucormycosis patients in post-covid patients were observed . We have come across 15 such patients. On retrospective analysis of the patient’s medical records, we found that the majority have received steroid and other immunosuppressive medications like toclizumab for COVID-19 infection treatment. Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis is an angioinvasive disease associated with high mortality, hence early diagnosis can be life saving. Magnetic Resonance Imaging remains the main corner stone of management for patients with ROCM. The aim of the study was to characterization of imaging ndings (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and its utility in post-covid patients with rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis for early diagnosis of the disease, extension of the disease and postoperative evaluation for taking a decision regarding second surgical or medical management as well as to familiarize every member of the multidisciplinary team involved in management of these patients to be able to interpret the nding on MRI in ROCM.