Maxillary Mucormycosis in a Juvenile Diabetic Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

One of the most fulminant and quickly spreading types of fungal infection, mucormycosis typically starts in the nose and paranasal sinuses after inhaling spores. Orbital and intracranial structures may become infected either directly or through blood vessels, leading to life-threatening complications. This infection most commonly manifests in the rhinomaxillary area, particularly in individuals with immunocompromised conditions like diabetes. Even with appropriate treatment, the disease’s mortality rate can exceed 40%, and it is challenging to detect. The standard treatment plan involves surgical debridement combined with systemically active antifungal medications, depending on the site of infection and risk factors. As a first-line treatment, lipid-based amphotericin B is recommended; however, posaconazole also shows promise. Hereby, the authors present a case report of a 15-year-old male patient with juvenile diabetes mellitus who had been experiencing pain and diffuse swelling in his left malar area for the previous two months. Following a histological analysis and clinical and radiographic evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, the patient was diagnosed with maxillary mucormycosis. Because of the abundant blood supply in the maxillofacial regions; however, more virulent fungi like Mucor can get past this obstacle. The purpose of present article is to show how early detection and treatment of mucormycosis in a young patient could prevent major morbidity and mortality from this potentially fatal illness . Additionally, it aimed to contribute to the local epidemiology of mucormycosis and raise awareness among stakeholders attention to the difficulties in treating this serious condition.