Maxillary mucormycosis and aspergillosis in post-COVID-19 patients in Mexico: A case series

Abstract

Background: Fungal infections, during or as a consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, associated with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and indiscriminate use of corticosteroids have been reported. In the jaw, mostly mucormycosis has been diagnosed in hospitals.

Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study of the clinical, imaging, and histopathologic characteristics of maxillary invasive fungal infection in post-COVID-19 patients diagnosed in a private non-hospital oral pathology service in Mexico during 2020-2022 was conducted.

Results: We found 20 cases of maxillary invasive fungal infections in post-COVID-19 patients, 75% including a diagnosis of mucormycosis and 25% diagnosed as probable aspergillosis. The most common signs and symptoms were exposed necrotic bone followed by tooth mobility, discharge, and pain. On imaging, unilateral maxillary sinus involvement was observed in 6 cases (30%), and bilateral maxillary sinus involvement was observed in 3 cases (15%).

Conclusions: It is essential to consider the association of osteonecrosis of the jaw in post-COVID-19 patients, with aspergillosis, not only mucormycosis, for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Keywords: Aspergillosis; COVID-19; Invasive fungal infections; Mucormycosis; Oral manifestations.