Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis During COVID-19 Pandemic Versus the SubsequentPeriod

Abstract

Objective: To compare the incidence of mucormycosis, its clinical features, and outcomes during the COVID-19 period versus the subsequent period.

Study Design: Retrospective study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Basra between May 2020 and the end of June 2025.

Methods: This retrospective study was undertaken in Basra from the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak until the end of June 2025. Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) cases were classified into two groups according to
infection time (during COVID-19 vs. post-COVID). The total number of patients who were evaluated in this study was 20.

Results: The incidence of ROCM during the pandemic was approximately six-fold higher than that of the post- COVID period. The predominant predisposing factor was Diabetes mellitus. ROCM was more common in males and its clinical features were approximately similar in both groups. However, during the COVID-19 period, one patient died, four required ocular enucleations, and one developed a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). In the post- COVID period, only one patient experienced bilateral visual loss, but none required enucleation, and no deaths or CVA were reported.

Conclusion: The incidence of ROCM during COVID-19 was higher than that of the subsequent period. However, the clinical presentations were approximately similar in both periods.