Imaging Spectrum of COVID-19 Associated Cranio-Facial Mucormycosis

Abstract

Abstract Background The post COVID craniofacial mucormycosis was found to emerge since the second wave of the COVID pandemics. It was called black fungus as it was associated with high mortality rate. Objective To describe combined computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of post COVID craniofacial mucormycosis for accurate diagnosis and determination of the extent of involvement. Patients and Methods The main source of data for this study was the archived CT and MRI imaging of the patients referred to the department of Radiology, Ain Shams University Hospitals. Results Our study population presented with craniofacial symptoms within 1-8 weeks from COVID-19 infection. The study revealed strong association between history of ICU admission, high doses of corticosteroids, oxygen administration and sever imaging MRI features of fungal sinusitis. Fungal invasion is not necessary to be through bony destruction. Conclusion The severest form of fungal sinusitis was found to be more commonly associated with ICU admission, usage of high doses of corticosteroids as well as patients who needed O2 therapy, the usage of contrast enhanced MRI should be combined with CT for assessment of disease extension as well as bony invasion.