A CASE REPORT OF MANDIBLE MUCORMYCOSIS IN POST COVID PATIENT

Abstract

The second wave of COVID-19 pandemic has seen an unprecedented rise in the number of mucormycosis cases worldwide & in India particularly. This otherwise rare fungal infection has become an endemic among patients who have recovered from recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among the different types of mucormycosis, rhino-orbital-cerebral involvement has mainly been observed in the recent surge of cases. Very few cases of mucormycosis of mandible have been reported in literature & none in COVID-19 patients. We report a case of isolated mandibular mucormycosis in a COVID- 19 patient, with no other predisposing comorbidities.

A 41 year old patient recently recovered from COVID-19 presented with typical symptoms of osteomyelitis which was confirmed using computed tomography of face. He underwent thorough debridement & curettage & tissue was sent for culture, special staining & biopsy.

Diagnosis of mucormycosis was confirmed based on postoperative biopsy & special staining. He was further managed with complete course of appropriate antifungal therapy.

Mucormycosis is a fulminant & aggressive infection which requires prompt diagnosis & intervention. Early referral to a maxillofacial surgeon by physicians & general dental practitioners on seeing signs & symptoms of secondary fungal infections involving maxilla or mandible in patients with history of SARSCoV-19 infection can improve prognosis.

Keywords: Mandible, Mucormycosis & Post Covid.