Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis during Covid-19 pandemic- a prospective observational study

Objective: An unprecedented rise in mucormycosis cases; apparently called 'an epidemic within a pandemic' was seen worldwide. Therefore, the following study was conducted to know the epidemiology, underlying risk factors, diagnostic approach, and possible outcome of mucormycosis during the Covid-19 pandemic.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on patients with a high index of clinical suspicion of mucormycosis Data about demographics, co-morbidities, laboratory investigations, radiology, management, and outcomes were collected.Results: We got 45 cases of proven Rhino-orbital-cerebral-mucormycosis (ROCM) from clinically suspected cases. Covid-19 was the most common underlying risk factor (n = 41, 91.11%) followed by Diabetes mellitus (DM) (n = 39; 86.67%). Steroids and oxygen usage were noted in 53.66% (n = 22) and 41.46% (n = 17) respectively. Among the 51 suspected cases of mucormycosis, 47 were supported by radiodiagnosis. Histopathology diagnosed the highest number of mucormycosis cases (n = 44; 97.78%), followed by KOH examination (n = 36; 80%) and Culture (n = 28; 62.22%). The most common species isolated from the tissue samples was Rhizopus species (n = 17; 60.71%), followed by Mucor species (n = 7; 25%). The mortality rate was 17.14%.Conclusion: DM, Covid-19, and corticosteroids are the chief underlying risk factor for ROCM. Rhizopus spp. was the most dominant etiological agent. Early diagnosis and management with combined medical & surgical intervention have a better survival rate.