Management of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis: a clinico-radiological study—an institutional experience

Background Mucormycosis in the setting of COVID-19 has given rise to the concept of “epidemic within a pandemic.” Once known to be a rare fungal disease, mucormycosis has now been regrouped under emerging pathogens. It has got special affinity for the immunocompromised, which is one of the main reasons for the flare up of the fungus during the second wave of COVID. The burden of the disease was felt globally, and India is facing the major brunt owing to our population and healthcare services ratio. Objective In our study, we have made an attempt to evaluate the clinical and radiological findings in patients of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) and to formulate a management protocol which will benefit such patients in forthcoming years. Methods This is a retrospective single-center study in Northern India. A total of 350 patients, affected by ROCM, were included in the study. Medical records of these patients were reviewed. Their clinical manifestations, nasal endoscopic findings, microbiological and radiological records, extent of disease, treatment profile, surgical interventions, and outcomes were analyzed. Nasal swab which was sent for KOH mount/fungal culture revealed broad aseptate filamentous fungi branching at right angles. All patients received intravenous amphotericin B and had undergone extensive surgical debridement endoscopically. The maxillary sinus was the commonest paranasal sinus involved followed by the ethmoid sinuses. Tissue sent for histopathological examination confirmed mucormycosis, except for 3 cases. Results The commonest presenting symptoms were cheek swelling with ophthalmoplegia, diminution of vision, and headache. The mean duration of follow-up was 8 months. The maxillary sinus was found to be involved in around 71% of the cases followed by the ethmoids and sphenoid. Thirty percent of the cases had visual complaints including diplopia and vision loss, whereas the palate was involved in around 35%. Nine patients had no perception of light in one eye on presentation, whereas 21 patients had perception of light only; 24 patients could count fingers close to face, and the rest had ambulatory vision. Three patients presented with facial palsy. All patients had favorable outcome except six who succumbed due to cerebral involvement and uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Conclusion A definite management protocol was formulated for ROCM which requires a multidisciplinary approach.