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.