Imaging of Mucormycosis in COVID 19 patients

Abstract

Background: Rhino-orbito cerebral mucormycosis(ROCM) is an acute, fulminant, invasive fungal infection caused by saprophytic fungi seen in SARS CoV-2 patients. The objective of this study was to describe the imaging findings in patients with rhino orbital cerebral mucormycosis. Materials and methods: Study was done from 12 may 2021 to 5 July 2021. Total 48 patients were taken into the study with positive SARS CoV-2 .Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images were analysed by using descriptive statistics analysis. Results: MR imaging of 48 patients showed predominant involvement of the ethmoid (77%) and maxillary (85%) sinuses. Extension to the orbit (35%) and face (43%) skull base (8%) and brain (4%). MRI showed T2 isointense to hypointense soft tissue thickening and heterogeneous post contrast enhancement as the main finding, bone erosion was seen in 35% or with rest of the patients showing extrasinus extension across grossly intact appearing bones on imaging. Conclusion: MRI shows a spectrum of findings in rhino orbito cerebral mucormycosis. Imaging plays a major role in assessing the extent of involvement and complications.