SPECTRUM OF MR IMAGING FINDINGS IN MUCORMYCOSIS

Background: Mucormycosis is a severe fungal infection, particularly prevalent among immunocompromised individuals, such as those recovering from COVID-19. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving patient outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in assessing Objectives: mucormycosis and to describe its characteristic imaging findings. A retrospective study was conduct Methods: ed at the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences from June to September 2021, involving 50 patients diagnosed with mucormycosis. Inclusion criteria included patients with KOH mount-positive non-septate hyphae. MRI findings were analyzed for specific features indicative of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). MRI revealed predominan Results: t hypointensity on T2-weighted images, the "black turbinate" sign, preantral fat infiltration, and loss of contrast enhancement of sinonasal mucosa. The majority of patients were elderly males, with diabetes and recent COVID-19 infection as common predisposing factors. Treatment outcomes included endoscopic debridement and antifungal therapy, showing promising results. MRI is instrumental in the early identification and assessment Conclusion: of mucormycosis, providing critical information for management. Key imaging findings, such as the black turbinate sign, are essential for diagnosis. Continued awareness and prompt imaging evaluation are necessary to enhance patient prognosis in the context of increasing mucormycosis cases related to COVID-19.