Cbct in the early diagnosis of rhino-maxillary mucormycosis

Mucormycosis is a very aggressive invasive fungal disease. One of its type is the rhino-maxillary (RMM) type which predominantly involved nose and maxilla. Commonly, this disease occurs in persons with immunosuppression, diabetic ketoacidosis and those on antibiotics, steroid or immunomodulaters which are now commonly used in the Covid 19 treatment. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can reduce the mortality and morbidity of this fatal fungal infection. In most of the cases more emphasis is given to Computed Tomography (CT) for the diagnosis, while the use of Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is one of the most unappreciated imaging method in the early diagnosis of mucormycosis. CBCT is a comparatively recent scanning technology in dentistry, provides images equivalent to medical CT at reduced costs and radiation doses. This article explains the significance, use and the need of CBCT in the early diagnosis of RMM.