s COVID-19 Associated Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis: A Proposed Classification and Treatment Strategies

Objectives: Mucormycosis is a rare fungal disease, which was known to affect only immunocompromised hosts, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, a surge in the cases of rhino- orbital-cerebral mucormycosis have been reported; however, the cause is still unknown. As the disease was a rare entity, there was no classification considering the spread and proper management at various stages. Methods: Extensive literature search with the terms “mucormycosis,” “invasive fungal sinusitis,” “COVID-19 associated mucormycosis,” and “mucormycosis in COVID-19” was conducted on Pubmed, Scopus, and Embase database, taking into consideration case histories, revealing the site of involvement and treatment based on the disease's extent. Results: Relevant articles were analyzed, and it was found that there is no specific classification of the disease entity and no proper surgical and medical management guidelines to date, Conclusion: This review is an attempt to elaborate on the pathophysiology of mucormycosis and its spread and propose a classification that will help determine policies for the control and prevention of complications, morbidity, and mortality.