English

Abstract

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is a rare life-threatening infection caused by fungi from the order Mucorales. Because of its rapid progression and high mortality, early recognition and aggressive treatment offers the only chance to increase the survival rate. A case of rhinocerebral mucormycosis in a diabetic male patient typically presenting as fever, left periorbital pain and nasal eschar is reported. The clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of rhinocerebral mucormycosis are discussed. ( J Intern Med Taiwan 2002;13: 160-164 ) INTRODUCTION: Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is a rare life-threatening infection caused primarily by fungi from the order Mucorales. This disease is mostly encountered among immunologically incompetent patients. This acute fulminant fungal infection spreads promptly from the paranasal sinus and orbital regions to the brain in a few days. The mortality rate in patients with systemic mucormycosis is as high as 50%, while in patients with cerebral involvement, it exceeds 80% 1. Because of its rapid progression and high mortality, early recognition and aggressive treatment offers the only chance to increase the survival rate. We reported a diabetic male patient who presented with early typical symptoms. The clinical manifestations,diagnosis and results of treatment are discussed and the literature regarding rhinocerebral mucormycosis is reviewed.