A New Diagnostic Criteria and Grading System of Rhino-Maxillary Mucormycosis based on Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Findings.

BACKGROUND

Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic fungal infection, which has a rapidly progressive and fulminant course with fatal outcome. It is the need of the hour to diagnose and treat the increasing cases urgently.

AIM: The aim of this article is to study the common radiographic features of rhinomaxillary mucormycosis (RMM), find diagnostic criteria, and grade the disease according to the radiographic features.

SETTINGS: This study was conducted at Face Three-Dimensional Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Center, Aurangabad, Maharashtra.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

CBCT scans of 30 patients who were referred for CBCT scanning of suspected RMM were retrospectively evaluated for relevant radiological data.

RESULTS

The most common CBCT features of RMM were osteolytic lesions in alveolar bone, palate, nose and nasal cavity, and zygoma along with involvement of paranasal sinuses. About 76.66% of patients had a history of COVID-19 infection.

CONCLUSION

According to the collected data, the scans of probable rhinomaxillary mucormycosis were graded in three groups - mild, moderate, and severe. The goal of this article is to emphasize the most overlook diagnostic entity - CBCT and its significant importance in early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of RMM. Early diagnosis of RMM can save the patients from the extent of morbidity and mortality.