Diagnostic Challenges in Mucormycosis: Advances in Imaging and Molecular Technique

Objective: To assess the diagnostic challenges of mucormycosis, focusing on the role of advanced imaging techniques and molecular diagnostics in a tertiary care hospital setting in Pakistan. Study Design: Prospective, observational study. Settings: Department of ENT, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar Pakistan. Duration: April 2023 to April 2024. Methods: A total of 170 patients suspected of having mucormycosis were included. Diagnostic methods included computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Mucorales DNA. The study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of these diagnostic tools and analyzed patient outcomes based on early diagnosis and intervention. Results: MRI demonstrated a sensitivity of 82%, while PCR showed an overall sensitivity of 85%. CT scans revealed bone involvement in 65% of cases. Patients diagnosed earlier had significantly better survival outcomes, with a mean time to diagnosis of 7.8 days. A weak positive correlation (r = 0.16) was found between PCR results and patient outcomes. Early diagnosis and the use of molecular techniques were associated with improved survival rates. Conclusion: The combination of advanced imaging and molecular diagnostics significantly improves the accuracy of mucormycosis diagnosis. Early detection through these methods is critical for better patient management and outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings like Pakistan.