MRI Evaluation of Rhino-orbito-cerebral Mucormycosis in Post COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Mucormycosis is the common cause of invasive fungal sinusitis in post Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) patient. a life-threatening infection with death rate >50%. Early detection critical for determining amount dissemination, as medical and surgical intervention can reduce morbidity. Aim: To evaluate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral (ROCM) COVID-19 patients to detect extent disease complications. Materials Methods: This was retrospective cross- sectional analysis records 93 admitted from 1st June 2021 31st July tertiary care centre documented history clinically suspected histopathologically confirmed ROCM retrieved study. Radiological such involvement Paranasal Sinus (PNS), intracranial extension, extrasinus orbit, brain parenchyma, perineural extension were recorded. Results: Records total (65 males 28 females; aged between 20-80 years) studied. The MRI revealed, most sinus involved ethmoid (n=92, 98.92%) followed by maxillary (n=90, 96.77%), sphenoid (n=76, 81.72%) frontal (n=61, 65.59%). There an infratemporal pterygopalatine fossa (n=73, 78.49%), orbit (n=58, 62.36%), cavernous (n=22, 23.65%), Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) (n=12, 12.90%), cranial nerves (n=6, 6.45%), parenchyma 23.65%) skull base (n=1, 1.07%). showed T2 isointense hypointense mucosal thickening heterogeneous postcontrast enhancement finding. mucosa on T1W images all cases (100%). Hypo components thickened hyperintense T2W seen 77 (82.79%). Thickened rest 16 (17.20%) cases. Conclusion: In typical imaging features (like images, demonstration spread beyond walls presence angioinvasion), even before microbiology or histopathology establish diagnosis, empirical antifungal medication might be initiated. plays important role evaluation planning treatment.