Did COVID-19 increase rhinoorbitocerebral mucormycosis?: 9 consecutive cases on pandemic days

Objective: Mucormycosis is an opportunistic infection caused by saprophytic fungi that can rapidly progress and cause death in patients who are characterized as immunosuppressive. In this study, we discus nine consecutive patients we encountered during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the light of literature information. Methods: Nine consecutive patients with rhino-orbitocerebral mucormycosis were included in the study. Preoperative examination, preoperative radiological imaging, postoperative examination, and postoperative radiological imaging results of the patients were retrospectively analyzed by scanning their medical files. Results: All the patients who presented to us had facial swelling (100%). The gender distribution was five women (55%) and four men (45%). The age distribution was between 34 and 70 years, and the mean value was 58 years. The average ages of the deceased patients and survivors were 61 and 51 years, respectively. Conclusion: Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic infection that can rapidly progress, and if left untreated, can cause the death of the patient within a few days. Therefore, it should be diagnosed quickly and operated immediately by surgeons experienced in this field. The COVID-19 pandemic may disrupt the regulations existing in additional comorbid diseases and increase the susceptibility to mucormycosis. Cite this article as: Bal KK, Alagoz S, Delibas V, Kuran G, Ozdas T, Yucel Ekici N. Did COVID-19 increase rhinoorbitocerebral mucormycosis?: 9 consecutive cases on pandemic days. B-ENT 2021; 17(3): 149-54.