Prosthetic Rehabilitation of A Post-Covid Mucormycosis Maxillectomy Defect Using A Fused Two-Piece Hollow Obturator: A Fabrication Technique

Purpose: Intraoral defects in the maxilla cause communication with the nasopharyngeal complex. The surgically removed palate can have a devastating effect on the appearance and speech of the patient. Obturators allow patients to eat and drink without any suspicion of food entering the oroantral cavities/ pharynx during mastication. This clinical report describes fabrication of a closed hollow bulb obturator using the two-piece double flask technique. Method(s): After the final teeth arrangement was completed, teeth over the defect were removed and separately processed using heat cure acrylic resin. Both the segments are combined by autopolymerizing acrylic resin to form a single hollow-bodied obturator. Conclusion(s): This technique uses a double flasking method of the two segments to control the thickness of the bulb in the defect area, thus decreasing the weight of the obturator.Copyright © 2020 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

Critical Review of Covid-19 Associated Mucormycosis of Nose and Paranasal Sinuses in A Tertiary Care Hospital in Ongole, Andhra Pradesh

Background: Mucormycosis is a fungal infection caused by filaments of Mucoraceae which invades blood vessels culminating in a lethal opportunistic infection. During the second wave of COVID-19, all over India a spurt of increased reporting of Mucoraecea infection was experienced. Compromised individual immunity system was suspected. Its early diagnosis and suitable surgical intervention were essential to decrease morbidity and mortality. Aim of the Study: To study the demography, clinical features, risk factors, laboratory investigations, and radiological findings of patients with mucormycosis and to evaluate the clinical outcomes in each case. Materials: A cross sectional study from the Department of ENT of Government Medical College Hospital, Ongole;350 COVID-19 RT-PCR positive patients presented with clinical symptoms and signs of Mucormycosis between February 2021 and February 2022 were analyzed. All age groups and genders were included. Mucormycosis proved on microscopic examination of the aspirate or histopathologies of tissue specimens were included. Clinical findings, risk factors, comorbidities, outcome of the disease, biochemical and hematological investigations, radiological signs, nature of fungal elements isolated, treatment instituted were noted. Surgical procedures included were Functional Endoscopic sinus surgery, extended Endoscopic sinus surgery, Medial maxillectomy, ethmoidectomy, Sphenoid exploration, frontal sinusotomy, Orbital exenteration and Skull base surgeries. Antifungal treatment consisted of administration of liposomal Amphotericin B and posaconazole. Result(s): 350 patients included in this study;268/350 (76.57%) males and 82/350 (23.42%) females with a male to female ratio of 3.26:1. 211 (60.28%) patients living in rural areas and 139 (39.71%) living in the urban areas. 324 (92.57%) patients were positive for COVID-19 (RT-PCR) test and 26 patients were negative. There were 233 (66.57%) patients who were obese with more than 30 BMI index and 117 (33.42%) who were with less than 30 BMI index. 299 (85.42%) patients were diabetic and 51 (14.57%) patients were non diabetic. Vaccination was taken 188 (53.71%) of the patients and not taken by 162 (46.28%) of the patients. Mortality rate was 09/350 (02.57%). It was observed that the variables such as Living area, COVID-19 (RT-OCR) test positivity, obesity, Diabetes mellitus and usage of steroids were significantly associated with Mucormycosis in this study. Conclusion(s): Mucormycosis was found to be common in males, from the rural areas. Other significant risk factors for Mucormycosis were COVID-19 (RT-OCR) test positivity, obesity, Diabetes mellitus and usage of steroids. The most common clinical symptoms and signs among were nasal obstruction with noisy breathing, blood stained nasal discharge, headache, periorbital swelling, reduced vision, Ptosis, external ophthalmoplegia, and facial pains were common. Surgical management reduced the morbidity and mortality of Mucormycosis in this study.Copyright © 2023, Dr Yashwant Research Labs Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved.

Futuristic Rehabilitation Technique Of Acquired Maxillectomy Defect In Post Covid19 Mucormycosis Using Polyether Ether Ketone Obturator Prosthesis- A Case Report

Background: Oroantral communication can occur due to maxillectomy defects, jeopardizing the integrity and function of oral cavity. It is an interdisciplinary challenge to restore these by surgery and prosthetics since many facets need to be addressed, such as speech, deglutition, mastication, aesthetics and psychological distress. Rationale: Surgical repair of maxillectomy defects is not always achievable due to various reasons such as poor systemic health, advanced age etc. Thus prosthetic rehabilitation becomes the most suitable treatment option. Relevance for Patients: Post COVID-19 mucormycosis has seen a surge in the past two years. It is an opportunistic fungal infection in humans infecting intracranial structures by direct invasion in the blood stream. Fundamental goal of prosthetic rehabilitation is the closure of oronasal communication and restoring it functionally thereby improving quality of life for the patient. CAD/CAM (computer aided design/computer aided milling) technology was employed to fabricate a milled framework for maxillary obturator in the most innovative way using PEEK (Polyether ether ketone). Result(s): PEEK material due to its excellent biocompatibility ensured a light weight prosthesis for the large maxillectomy defect and closure of the patency was achieved by the obturator framework.Copyright © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.

Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis in the Elderly Population after Covid-19

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to retrospectively evaluate the characteristics of mucormycosis cases seen in our clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic, the management of their treatment and the SARS-CoV-2 variants that were dominant at that time. Method(s): The medical records of patients diagnosed with rhino-orbital mucormycosis between March 2020 and July 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. Result(s): Nine patients were diagnosed with rhino-orbital mucormycosis. Of these patients, six were male and three were female, and the patients were between the ages of 65-75 (mean 69.2). After the diagnosis of mucormycosis, antifungal treatment was initiated with liposomal amphotericin-B. Eight patients underwent surgery within 48 hours, only one patient refused to undergo surgery. Conclussions: Mucormycosis is a rapidly progressing opportunistic fungal infection. Therefore, the most basic criteria determining mortality is the early detection of about mucormycosis infection and to diagnose it as soon as possible, especially in patients with an underlying immunosuppressive condition. Once a diagnosis of mucormucosis has been established, risk factors, especially blood sugar regulation, should be corrected. Furthermore, systemic and local antifungal therapy shuold be initiated, and urgent debridement should be performed. Copyright © 2022, Geriatrics Society. All rights reserved.

Diagnostic Tools in COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis: Do We Need 3-dimensional Computed Tomography

Introduction: Early detection of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) is critical for accurate staging and optimal treatment. Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) reconstruction of the face has recently come up as a newer diagnostic tool in CAM. Method(s): This clinical study was done to evaluate the efficacy of 3D CT in diagnosing and managing CAM. We compared 3D CT reconstruction with conventional 2D CT. One hundred twenty-three confirmed cases of mucor were subjected to 3D CT reconstruction in addition to contrastenhanced magnetic resonance imaging after comprehensive clinical workup. The involvement of maxillary walls, alveolus, palate, orbital floor, zygomatic process, and other facial skeleton were noted. The plan of management was decided after assessing the extent in 3D CT. Result(s): Anterior maxillary wall was found to be the commonly involved (9.7%). Involvement of the lateral maxillary wall was noted in 8.1% of subjects. Sixty-seven subjects underwent endoscopic endonasal debridement, 19 underwent total maxillectomy, 3 had infrastructure maxillectomy, 8 had orbital exenteration, and 12 had combined endoscopic and open surgeries. In 21 patients (17%), open surgery was done based on additional 3D CT findings at the first instance and revision surgeries were avoided. Conclusion(s): 3D CT face was found to be superior to conventional CT in diagnosing the extent of disease and plays an important role in preoperative surgical planning of CAM. Minor cortex erosions are not picked up by conventional CT;it also does not show finer details and leaves the surgeon imagining the disease extent. 3D CT decreases delay in diagnosis, facilitates the surgical plan, and reduces the need for multiple surgeries. It is a valuable tool in the assessment of revision cases and follow-up.

COVID-Associated Mucormycosis in Case of Fibrous Dysplasia of Maxilla: Freeing 2 Birds With 1 Key

Introduction: India is one of the countries most affected by COVID-19. COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) has added to the woes of the already devastating effects of the virus. About 97.6% of cases in India presented with rhino-orbito-cerebral disease. Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is characterized by abnormal mixtures of fibrous and osseous elements leading to bony deformities and pathological fractures. Monostotic and polyostotic varieties have been described, with the latter being more common in children. The monostotic type of FD accounts for about 70% to 80% of FD, affecting the second and third decade. Method(s): We present a case of 44-year-old man with fibrous dysplasia of left maxilla with CAM, an angioinvasive fungal disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. As India and the entire world is struck by the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of corticosteroids has proven somewhat helpful in managing severe COVID infection. Evidence shows it has also led to CAM. Our patient was treated with radical surgical treatment of lesion with gross removal of all necrotic tissues from the sinuses along with antifungal treatment with amphotericin B. FD is a benign disorder characterized by replacement of normal bone with cellular fibrous connective tissue. Result(s): Our case presented with CAM of maxilla with palatal involvement requiring urgent surgical intervention and antifungal therapy. It incidentally happened to be a case of FD. Maxillectomy took care of the patient's FD as well. Conclusion(s): FD is a disorder characterized by dystrophy and bony metaplasia, and treatment depends on the zone of involvement. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention, with good antifungal therapy with strict glycemic control, are critical features to prevent its onslaught. Sometimes treatment of one condition can cure the others as well.

Fabrication of single piece definitive obturator for post surgical maxillectomy defect during covid-19 pandemic-A Literature review with Clinical case report

Background: Impacts of primary oncology surgical procedure can impede restoration objectives. Restoring oral function, comfort and aesthetics is a challenge due to limitations in the restorative treatment options. Methodology: Literature review on the responsibilities, role of maxillofacial prosthodontist, materails and retentive aids used for prosthesis, classification of maxillofacial prostheses, recent advancements in MFP and Workflow for the fabrication of obturator prostheses in the COVID-19 pandemic scenario. Case report on the fabrication of Holllow bulb definitive obturator during pandemic crisis. A 47 years old male patient reported for post-surgical evaluation in maxillary posterior region of oral cavity. The patient had partial maxillectomysurgical procedure of squamous cell carcinoma in the palate 5 years back. To replace the gap created, the patient was using interim obturator. He had facial asymmetry and collapse. Prosthodontic rehabilitation with one piece closed hollow bulb obturator was planned & subsequently fabricated for the patient. For our case considering the feasibility & ease of manipulation, heat activated acrylic resin was used for this particular patient for rehabilitation. The method described is easy, simple, time saving & economical. Bulb portion was hollow & made of heat cure resin, so weight was less & less chances of tissue irritation. Results: With the Covid-19 infection protocol measures taken definitive obturator was given to the maxillectomy patient to restore aesthetics, function and comfort as well. After insertion of prostheses mastication, deglutition and phonetics were improved. Breathing problems were resolved and aesthetics was improved. Conclusion: A simplified technical approach for the treatment of a patient with palatal defect of and other supportive structure has been presented in Covid-19 situation following the described infection prevention protocols. The technique presented offers a method of obtaining a detailed impression of the defect and promptly provides the patient with a light weight, easyto-use and flexible tissue-tolerant obturator.

Co-existence of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Sinonasal Mucormycosis: Therapeutical Challenges

Pandemic was new experience for entire humanity. Medical fraternity was no exception. The cases of mucormycosis were on the rise during the second wave of the pandemic. Presented here are two cases which were combination of two diseases, one of which was squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck region and other one was sinonasal mucormycosis. Both patients were diabetics and had history of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection in past. Our literature search doesn't reveal any previously reported cases of this rare combination. There were certain challenges in management. Both diseases were lethal and treatment of one cannot be prioritised over other. Challenges in managing those cases were, reconstruction planning, perioperative management and postsurgery adjuvant therapy. In absence of previous experience to treat this combination or any literature available new treatment protocol were formulated. Cases were discussed in multidisciplinary team meetings and treatment plans were formulated. Mucormycosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma both were operated and reconstructed in same sitting. In one patient revision endoscopic debridement had to be done. Amphotericin B was started once diagnosis was confirmed. Patients were followed-up on weekly basis during first month and imaging was done every 15 days. Both patients had satisfactory recovery without any sign of progression of mucormycosis. Adjuvant radiation was given in both cases at appropriate time. At follow-up both patients were free from disease for six months. From these unique experiences it can be recommended that combination of sinonasal mucormycosis and squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck is very rare. Both diseases can be treated simultaneously. Excision and reconstruction can be done in single sitting. There is no need to delay or avoid adjuvant radiation. Multidisciplinary team approach is the key for treatment.

Management of Post COVID Mucormycosis -Maxillectomy

Background:Mucormycosis has been increasingly described in patients with covid 19 2nd wave (delta variant) which is a highly contagious disease caused by SARS-COV-2 is the leading cause of global pandemic. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate etiology, indications, management options and complications in patients managed with endoscopic and external maxillectomy after mucormycosis, to evaluate the incidence and distribution of cases who had extensive mucormycosis and to evaluate the outcome of the management options. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study done in 30 cases at a tertiary care centre.All the patients were subjected to detailed history taking, clinical examination, endoscopic, radiological, pathological, microbiological investigations after taking informed consent. Patients with age group(30yrs -70yrs) who presented with ROM with extensive maxillary sinus involvement and destruction of different walls of the maxillary sinus were managed with different types of maxillectomies. Results: In this study, 30 cases of post covid rhinoorbital mucormycosis who presented to our hospital were studied, among male 24(80%) & females6 (20%).12 patients (40%) were in 5th to 6th decade and 9 patients (30%) in 4th to 5th decade.Main presenting features were unilateral cheek pain, cheek swelling, nasal obstruction, loosening of teeth, tooth ache, cheek numbness, headache, periorbital edema, visual disturbances being present in 95% of the patients.5% presented with epistaxis, ptosis, diplopia alone.90% patients were known case of diabetes milletus,10% are denovo diabetes.All the patients were subjected to routine blood investigations, microbiological, radiologicalinvestigations.(CT, MRI contrast- PNS, Orbit & Brain).Most commonly seen in males 80%. 1 patient had to undergo orbital exenteration,3 patients underwent palatal resection. Conclusion: Debridement of sinuses is necessary in all cases of mucormycosis so that the fungal reservoir could be removed and the antifungal therapy can reach the viable areas. Therefore the management of mucormycosis is individualised to each patient based on the extension of the disease and overall general conditon of the patient.

Post COVID-19 mucormycosis: A case series

Objective: To evaluate the associated factors between COVID-19 and mucormycosis. Methods: Twenty-two patients of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (including 3 asymptomatic patients who were cured of COVID-19) from a single medical unit of our institute were included. A detailed history was noted, with special emphasis on the time of onset of mucormycosis symptoms, presence of comorbidities, including new onset diabetes, severity of COVID-19, oxygen requirement, details of receipt of steroids and immunomodulators such as tocilizumab, imaging findings, including the number of sinuses involved, bony erosions, orbital and cerebral involvement, microscopy, culture and histopathology reports and antifungals given. Surgical interventions including number of debridements, orbital exenteration, maxillectomy, and the vaccination status were noted. Results: All 22 patients had rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis, 27.27% in the first wave and 72.73% during the second wave. Diabetes was the commonest comorbidity, and 40.91% patients were newly detected diabetics. The time of presentation in relation to their COVID-19 symptoms was 8-15 days (average 12.5 days). Ten out of 22 (45.45%) had asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 and 40.91% did not require supplemental oxygen. Five out of 22 (22.73%) did not receive steroids. Twelve out of 22 (54.55%) had orbital involvement, 3 (13.64%) had palatal ulcer and 4 (18.18%) had cerebral involvement and all these had progressed in spite of treatment with appropriate antifungals. Conclusions: COVID-19 associated mucormycosis is a frequent, lethal, post COVID-19 complication, occurring even in mild and asymptomatic cases who have not received steroids or oxygen.