Unmasking the Uncommon: Post COVID-19's Sinister Encore - A Clinical Report of Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis in a Non-Diabetic, Non-Steroid Therapy Patient.

Abstract

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has been linked to various bacterial and fungal infections. The incidence of mucormycosis has notably increased in individuals with COVID-19, with many cases reported globally, especially in India. The risk factors for developing mucormycosis include uncontrolled diabetes and use of immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids. We report a case of acute invasive fungal rhino-sinusitis (mucormycosis) in a 42 year old patient with no history of diabetes or steroid therapy but recently diagnosed with COVID-19. The patient presented with facial swelling, loose teeth, and imaging findings consistent with mucormycosis. The history, examination, and laboratory investigations were sufficient to exclude other causes of immunocompromised status in the patient. The diagnosis was confirmed through KOH staining of excised tissue, which tested positive for mucor. The patient underwent