An atypical case report of extensive mucormycotic osteomyelitis of maxilla as a consequence of post‑COVID complication

Abstract

Saprophytic molds such as Mucor, Rhizopus, and Absidia cause mucormycosis, a fungal infection.
These saprophytic fungi are common in the environment and have a strong proclivity for invading
major blood arteries, causing tissue ischemia, necrosis, and infarction. They have been linked to
immunocompromised individuals with a history of diabetic ketoacidosis, corticosteroid medication,
HIV infection, malignant lymphomas, and patients currently receiving and recovering from COVID‑19
treatment. The foregoing is the case of a 78‑year‑old COVID‑19 recovered male who presented
with a primary complaint of upper tooth movement for 1 month and maxillary segmental mobility.
The maxillary alveolar process was resected, and histopathological reports revealed mucormycosis,
which was treated with antifungal medication and nasolabial flap surgery. For the past 6 months,
he has been disease‑free. Early detection and treatment may offer a higher chance of successfully
minimizing this debilitating condition.
Key Words: COVID‑19, fungal infection, maxilla, Mucor