Post extraction mucormycosis in immunocompromised patient Management and review of literature

Background Mucormycosis is an uncommon aggressive, opportunistic infection that can produce widespread orofacial tissue necrosis. This primarily affects immunocompromised individuals. It is the deadliest and most rapidly progressing type of human-affecting fungal infection. The aim of the study is to investigate the diagnostic criteria and treatment approach in 10 cases of mucormycosis in author’s institute from 2008 to 2019. Moreover, a review of the English literature presents all cases of mucormycosis following tooth extraction. Materials and Methods Ten patients at our institute have been treated. They were evaluated and discussed according to their diagnostic criteria, surgical treatment, and mortality rates. Results All ten immunocompromised patients had a primary hematologic malignancy. The criteria for a positive diagnosis were clinical symptoms and a biopsy for microbiological culture and histological analysis. Each patient was subjected to vigorous surgical resection and underwent anti-fungal treatment. Seven patients died because of their main disease. Due to the unregulated spread of mucormycosis, two patients died. Four cases were diagnosed following maxillary tooth extraction. Conclusion The most important factor for patient survival tends to be the management of the underlying disease with early detection and active surgical and anti-fungal action. Four out of ten cases diagnosed with mucormycosis appeared after tooth extraction, a relatively high number compared to the literature. Therefore, it is the dental profession obligation to be familiar with the possibility of the potentially severe and possibly fatal complication.