Objectives Collate and analyse data of maxillofacial/rhino-cerebro-orbital fungal infections reported during the era of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the aim of investigating the common contributing factors leading to such infections and of highlighting the significance of this surge seen in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Method This retrospective observational multi-centric study analysed patient data collected from clinicians belonging to different specialties in Bangalore, India. The data included the presentation and management of patients presenting with aggressive maxillofacial and rhino-cerebro-orbital fungal infections and explored the relationship between SARS-CoV-2, corticosteroid administration and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Results All 18 patients were Covid positive. Sixteen of the 18 patients received steroids for Covid treatment and 16 patients were diabetic (of whom 15 patients who were diabetics received steroids for Covid-19 treatment). Loss of vision was noted in 12 of the 18 patients and 7 of them underwent orbital exenteration. The fungi noted was mucormycosis in 16 patients, aspergillosis in 1 patient and a mixed fungal infection in 1 patient. Eleven of the patients survived, 6 died and 1 was lost to follow-up. There was a significantly higher incidence of diabetes ( p = 0.03) amongst these cohort of patients who were Covid-19 positive with mucormycosis. A significantly higher number ( p = 0.0013) of patients were administered steroids at some point during the treatment. Conclusion Despite the limited sample size, it is evident that there is a significant increase in the incidence of angioinvasive maxillofacial fungal infections in diabetic patients treated for SARS-CoV-2 with a strong association with corticosteroid administration.

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Objectives To comprehensively analyse the disease presentation and mortality of COVID-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis. Methods A retrospective analysis of the demographics, clinical and radiographic findings was performed. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the survival of patients with mucormycosis from hypothesised predictors. Results A total of 202 patients were included in this study. Statistical significance was demonstrated in the predilection to the male gender, recent history of SARS-COV-2, history of use of corticosteroid and hyperglycemia in this cohort of CAM. The mortality rate was 18.31%. Advanced age, raised HbA1c and intra-orbital extension were found to be predictors adversely affecting survival. Conclusion Early diagnosis, aggressive surgical therapy, early and appropriate medical therapy can help improve outcomes. Level of evidence Level 4.

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