Spectrum of intracranial complications of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis — resurgence in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: a pictorial essay

Abstract

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) has regained significance following its resurgence in the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India. Rapid and progressive intracranial spread occurs either by direct extension across the neural foraminae, cribriform plate/ethmoid, walls of sinuses, or angioinvasion. Having known to have a high mortality rate, especially with intracranial extension of disease, it becomes imperative to familiarise oneself with its imaging features. MRI is the imaging modality of choice. This pictorial essay aims to depict and detail the various intracranial complications of mucormycosis and to serve as a broad checklist of structures and pathologies that must be looked for in a known or suspected case of ROCM.