Correlation of Intraoperative Extension of Mucormycosis Infection with Radiological Investigation

Background: This study is conducted to examine the correlation of intraoperative extension of mucormycosis infection with radiological investigations done preoperatively and to determine which radiological investigation was more useful.

Methods: The patients who were diagnosed with mucormycosis underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium contrast and computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast of the brain with paranasal sinuses and orbit preoperatively. Nasal debridement was done and the extensions seen operatively were compared with the preoperative radiological investigation.

Results: Maxillary sinus was the most common paranasal sinus involved intraoperatively and radiologically with positive correlation found to be similar with MRI and CT scan. Among extrasinus involvement, the MRI had much better correlation than CT scan. Also, MRI was useful in detection of complications like orbital cellulitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and internal carotid artery thrombosis.

Conclusion: Based on this study, CT scan was much better correlated intra-operatively when related to bony structures like para-nasal sinuses and palatal involvement, whereas MRI had better correlation with orbital and brain involvement and pterygopalatine and infra-temporal fosa involvement. Also MRI was useful in detection of suspected complications like orbital cellulitis , cavernous sinus thrombosis and internal carotid artery thrombosis.

Cite this article as: Modi N, P P, Tota S, Trivedi S. Correlation of intraoperative extension of mucormycosis infection with radiological
investigation. B-ENT. 2026;21(3):106-110.