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

Namit      Kant Singh; Neemu      Hage; Balaji      Ramamourthy; Krishna      Medha Kappagantu

Abstract

Objectives: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Keywords: Mucormycosis, mucorales, mucoricin, angio-invasion, GRP 78, COVID-19.

Graphical Abstract

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Cite As

Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets

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

Abstract

Graphical Abstract