Rhinocerebral mucormycosis: a case of a rare, but deadly disease

Outcome of Total Surgical Debridement of Covid Associated Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis Based on a New Surgical Staging System: A Cohort Study

To propose a surgical staging system with management protocol for post-covid Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) with central skull base osteomyelitis. A prospective cohort study of a total of 193 post-covid ROCM patients was conducted between May 2021 and January 2022 at a tertiary care centre. Patients were assessed radiologically and staged from I to V. Follow up period was 16 months and the surgical outcome in terms of recurrent disease was assessed. A total of 193 patients (129 primary and 64 revision) were studied. Maxilla was found to be the epicenter of anterior disease (69.3%) and pterygoid wedge was noted to be the epicenter of posterior disease (85.6%). More than 65% of our patients, at the time of presentation, presented with involvement of the central skull base. Intracranial disease was noted in 13.9% of patients and the mortality rate was 6.2%. This staging system provides a systematic step-by-step protocol for the management of ROCM, with emphasis on meticulous disease clearance at the central skull base.

Study of Profile of Mucormycosis During the Second Wave of COVID-19 in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction and aim Mucormycosis is a lethal opportunistic infection caused by filamentous fungi of the family Mucoraceae (black fungus). There has been a sudden increase in the incidence of these cases during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic due to the immunocompromised state caused by the disease and its treatment. Early diagnosis and appropriate medical management are essential to reduce disease morbidity and mortality. Through this study, we aim to study the clinical features, risk factors, laboratory investigations, and radiological findings of patients with mucormycosis as well as evaluate the clinical outcomes in each case. Methods and materials This was a prospective study that included only confirmed mucormycosis cases admitted in Tata Main Hospital (TMH) from April 2021 to July 2021. A case of mucormycosis was defined as the one in which clinical and radiological features were consistent with mucormycosis and fungus was demonstrated in the tissue by potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount/culture/histopathological examination (HPE). Data relating to epidemiology, risk factors, clinico-radiological features, and outcomes were analyzed and expressed as a percentage of total cases. Results Of the total 15 cases, three patients (33.3%) had active COVID-19 infection, eight (53.3%) were in the post-COVID-19 state, two (13.4%) had COVID-19 like illness and two (13.4%) patients did not have COVID-19 in the recent past. There was male predominance with the male to female ratio being 2.75:1. The commonest associated co-morbid condition was diabetes mellitus (13 patients, 86.7%). Amongst the myriad manifestations, periorbital swelling was the commonest symptom (11 patients, 73.3%). Among neurological manifestations, involvement of cranial nerves was found in nine (60%) patients with the third cranial nerve being the most commonly affected nerve (eight patients, 53.3%). Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) was found in one (6.7%) patient. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy (DNE) revealed eschar at various sites in 13 patients (86.7%). Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) was found bilaterally in one patient (6.7%) while two patients (13.3%) had CRAO on the left. Radiologically, the most commonly involved sinuses were maxillary and ethmoidal (eight patients, 53.3%). Bilateral sinus involvement was more common (46.7%) than unilateral sinus involvement. The average length of stay (LOS) was 17.5±7.8 days. The overall mortality was 40%. Five (33.3%) patients developed secondary bacterial infections. All patients received medical therapy with intravenous amphotericin B. In addition, seven (46.7%) patients underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) with debridement of which, five (71.4%) patients survived and made a good recovery. One patient (6.7%) with pulmonary mucormycosis underwent lobectomy. Conclusion New-onset headache, black nasal discharge, periorbital swelling, retro-orbital pain, visual diminution, restriction of eye movements should prompt an immediate search for mucormycosis especially in the background of history of diabetes mellitus in patient with recent or current COVID-19 disease. Radio-imaging with computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are complementary to clinical evaluation in assessing the disease extent and diagnosis of complications. Prompt diagnosis is essential due to the angio-invasive nature of the mucor and requires aggressive anti-fungal therapy and debridement of the devitalized tissue.

[Invasive fungal brain abscess: a case report]

Mucormycsois, also known as zygomycosis, is an extremely serious acute invasive fungal infection（IFI）. The disease progresses rapidly and the mortality rate is high. Even if cured, it may leave behind serious sequelae. Immunocompromise is at high risk of mucormycosis. Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis（ROCM） is the most common type of mucormycosis. It can manifest as headache, nasal obstruction, exophthalmos, ophthalmoplegia and nerve palsy, loss of vision, arterial embolism, etc. A case of ROCM is reported in this paper. The etiology, course of development, clinical and imaging manifestations and treatment of ROCM are described in detail.

Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis: Two Cases with Amaurosis as Presentation, Medical Surgical Management and Follow-Up

Purpose: Mucormycosis is an infection caused by fungi to the class Zygomycetes that usually appears in immunosuppressed patients. Diagnostic confirmation is often delayed, with fatal prognosis in cases in which treatment is not rapidly established. Case report: We present two clinical cases of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis with an atypical presentation form, consisting of a unilateral complete sudden vision loss. Intravenous treatment with liposomal amphotericin B was started and total orbital exenteration surgery was performed. The removed surgical area was filled with gauze impregnated with liposomal amphotericin B and was left open for cures every 12 hours. Due to the good clinical evolution, a reconstruction of the orbital exenteration defect was performed in Case 1 with a temporal muscle flap and a skin island pedicled flap. In Case 2, reconstruction was not performed due to the poor evolution of the patient. Discussion: As it is a very aggressive surgery, the aesthetic and functional sequelae are very important. When the survival of the patient is achieved, we should offer reconstructive solutions that improve their quality of life. The reconstruction carried out using a flap of the temporal muscle can be made in a single act without requiring microvascular surgery.

A meta-analysis of survival factors in rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis-has anything changed in the past 20 years?

BACKGROUND

Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is an uncommon yet potentially lethal fungal infection. Although most cases originate from developing countries, an ageing population and increased prevalence of chronic illness may mean some clinicians practicing in developed countries will encounter ROCM cases in their careers. Yohai et al published a systematic review of 145 case reports from 1970 to 1993 assessing prognostic factors for patients presenting with ROCM. We present an updated review of the literature and assess whether survival outcomes have changed in the two decades since that seminal paper.

SEARCH STRATEGY

An extensive Medline literature search was performed for case reports published between 1994 and 2015.

RESULTS

In total, 210 published cases were identified from the literature review, of which 175 patients from 140 papers were included in this review. Fifty-five were female, with an overall mean age of 43 years. Overall survival rate was 59.5%, which was not significantly better than the previous series reported (60%) reported by Yohai et al. Survival rates in patients with chronic renal disease had improved, from 19% to 52%, and in patients with leukaemia (from 13% to 50%). Facial necrosis and hemiplegia remained poor prognostic indicators (33% and 39% survival rates, respectively). Early commencement of medical treatment related to better survival outcomes (61% if commenced within first 12 days of presentation, compared to 33% if after 13 days). Timing of surgery had less of an effect on overall survival. However, in 28 cases that did not receive any surgical treatment, survival was only 21%.

CONCLUSIONS

Although overall survival rates have not improved, survival in patients with renal disease were better, potentially due to the introduction of liposomal amphotericin B which is less nephrotoxic. Prompt recognition of ROCM, reversal of predisposing co-morbidities and aggressive medical treatment remain the cornerstone of managing this highly aggressive disease.

Rhino-orbital Mucormycosis: Clinical Findings and Treatment Outcomes of Four Cases

In this case report, we present the clinical findings and therapeutic outcomes of four rhino-orbital mucormycosis patients. The four patients (1 female, 3 male; age range, 55-77 years) all had diabetes mellitus and two also had chronic renal failure. All patients exhibited proptosis, sinusitis, and dark-colored lesions on the nasopharynx and/or hard palate; three patients had ipsilateral peripheral facial paralysis. Visual acuity was no light perception in the two patients with severe orbital involvement and 0.8 in two patients with limited orbital involvement. Histopathological examination of the hard palate, nasopharynx or sinus biopsy revealed typical Mucor hyphae. Systemic liposomal amphotericin B was initiated in all patients. The patients with limited ocular involvement received amphotericin B both intravenously and by local irrigation; both patients had complete recovery. The other two patients underwent orbital exenteration; one patient died after declining systemic treatment postoperatively. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are important for the survival of rhino-orbital mucormycosis patients. With orbital involvement, surgical debridement and systemic and local treatment with antifungal agents may help avoid mutilating surgery like exenteration.

A case of rhinoorbital mucormycosis in a leukemic patient with a literature review from Turkey

Mucormycosis (Zygomycosis) is a rare, invasive, opportunistic fungal infection of the paranasal sinuses, caused by a fungus of the order Mucorales. We report a case of rhinoorbital mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus oryzae in an acute lymphoblastic leukemia patient and review the 79 Mucormycosis cases reported in the last decade from Turkey. In our case, the diagnosis was made with endoscopic appearance, computerized tomography of the paranasal sinuses, and culture of the surgical materials. Following aggressive surgical debridement and parenteral amphotericin B therapy, the patient recovered completely. In Turkish literature, rhinocerebral manifestations were the most common form of the mucormycosis (64 cases), followed by pulmonary form (6 cases). The most common risk factor was hematologic malignancies (32 cases) and diabetes mellitus (32 cases), similar to those reported from the rest of the world. The etiologic agents responsible for the review cases were Rhizopus sp., Mucor spp., Rhizomucor spp., Rhizopus oryzae, Mucor circinelloides, and Lichtheimia corymbifera. Although various treatment modalities were used, amphotericin B was the mainstay of therapy. Mortality rate was found to be 49.4% in review cases. It seems that strong clinical suspicion and early diagnosis, along with aggressive antifungal therapy and endoscopic sinus surgery, have great importance for better prognosis in mucormycosis.

[Forefront of diagnosis and treatment of deep-steam mycology in Korea--rhinoorbitocerebral zygomycosis]

Mucor is a mold which exists in nature, but mucor infections of humans, even in immunocompromised hosts, are rare. Clinical manifestations of mucormycosis are nonspecific and diagnosis is based on microscopic examination and culture of biopsy specimens. Serologic test or molecular methods of speciation are used only as research tools. We investigated medical records especially for underlying diseases, clinical findings, treatment, and prognosis of patients diagnosed with rhinocerebral mucormycosis retrospectively in the Asan Medical Center. The underlying diseases were diabetes mellitus in 8 patients, acute leukemia in 2, kidney transplantation in 2, and myelodysplastic syndrome in 1 of the total 13 patients. Six patients complained of nasal symptoms including stuffy nose, rhinorrhea, 5 patients complained of ophthalmic symptoms such as decreased visual acuity, diplopia, and ophthalmic pain and 2 of hard palate ulcer. The mortality was 23%(3/13; the two patients with kidney transplant, and one patient with acute leukemia). In summary, mucormycosis should be considered in an uncontrolled DM and an immunocompromised host. The combined modality of early surgical debridement and antifungal agents was used for better treatment of rhinocerebral mucormycosis.

Extraconal orbital tumors in children--a spectrum

Orbital masses in children are uncommon but extremely challenging problems for clinicians and pathologists due to their critical location and availability of limited diagnostic material. We analyzed 47 specimens comprising biopsies, excision specimens, and FNAC of extraconal pediatric orbital masses (excluding retinoblastoma) accessioned in the pathology department over 5 years in a tertiary referral cancer center. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-74%) and molecular methods (one case) were done where necessary. The chief presenting symptom was proptosis in 55.3% patients and radiologically 53.8% malignant tumors showed extraorbital extension. A diagnostic algorithm was formulated to assess which cases needed pathology evaluation. Malignant round cell tumors (76.6%), chiefly embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (51%), benign spindle cell neoplasms, and infectious lesions (tuberculosis, fungal infections), were seen. Of the malignant tumors, those confined to the orbit achieved good treatment response and had an event-free follow-up while those with extraorbital spread had poor outcome. Pediatric orbital masses range from completely treatable infectious lesions, surgically resectable benign neoplasms to aggressive malignancies requiring chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Pathologists play a key role in distinguishing these on small biopsy material and expediating accurate treatment thus saving the vision or life of a patient.

Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis with different cerebral involvements: infarct, hemorrhage, and ophthalmoplegia

Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis is a rare but often fatal opportunistic necrotizing infection of the sinuses, orbit, and brain caused by saprophytic fungi. It usually develops in patients with diabetes or immune system deficiency. In this study, imaging features in 3 patients with rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis who presented with various symptoms and different cerebral involvements are discussed. Headache, blurred vision, fever, painful ophthalmoplegia, and cranial nerve involvement were among the clinical findings. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the best imaging methods for assessing the extent of this disease. Relatively typical but nonspecific characteristics are bone destruction, vascular invasion, and central hypointensity in the paranasal sinuses or an intracranial mass that is revealed by T(2)-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Imaging findings include cavernous sinus involvement, cerebral infarct, and intracerebral hemorrhage. Because of the invasive and fulminant nature of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis, successful treatment seems to be based on early diagnosis and on the management of underlying immunologic problems.

Orbital Exenteration: A Dilemma in Mucormycosis Presented with Orbital Apex Syndrome

Background

Mucormycosis is an uncommon, rapidly progressive, commonly fatal, opportunistic, fungal paranasal sinus infection. The most critical decision in the management of rhino-orbital mucormycosis is whether the orbit should be exenterated. The literature fails to provide a broad base of information of how physicians determine the need for exenteration in daily practice. The decision for exenteration often depends on the judgment of the treating otolaryngologist. The authors report their experience and outline that orbital exenteration may not be mandatory in all cases of rhino-orbital mucormycosis.

Methods

The medical records from Celal Bayar University Medical Faculty Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery were retrospectively searched from 1995 to 2007 for three cases with rhino-orbital mucormycosis, treated without orbital exenteration.

Results

All patients with rhino-orbital mucormycosis who were treated without exenteration survived.

Conclusion

The favorable outcome was attributable to rapid correction of the underlying medical condition; wide local excision and debridement of all involved and devitalized sinonasal and periorbital tissue, while establishing adequate sinus and orbital drainage; daily endoscopic assessment with multiple sinus debridement when necessary; daily irrigation of the involved areas; and high-dose i.v. amphotericin B.

Imaging of isolated cerebral mucormycosis. A report of three cases

Mucormycosis is a rare infection in immunosupressed patients caused by fungi from the family Mucoraceae. Three types of disease spread have been described: rhinocerebral, systemic and isolated. Isolated spread is the most uncommon form, usually resulting in death. It has been described in diabetics, immunosupressed patients and intravenous drug abusers. Neuroimaging can aid the diagnosis of this entity, but biopsy remains the only reliable method. Imaging findings of Mucormycosis include abscesses and hemorrhagic or ischemic infarcts, usually in the basal ganglia and frontal lobes. Single or multiple lesions have been described as well as meningoencephalitis. Understanding these findings can help to detect the infection in an early stage. We describe three cases of isolated cerebral mucormycosis; all of them were intravenous drug abusers with one patient also being HIV positive.

Mucormycosis Mimicks Sinusitis in a Diabetic Adult

Fungal sinusitis caused by invasive fungal infections, such as Mucormycosis, occurs predominantly in an immunocompromised patient. However, invasive cranial bone mycoses are rare and are usually associated with host immunodeficiency. They are difficult to diagnose, and in many cases are fatal. Treatment consists of antifungal chemotherapy, radical surgical debridement, and control of the underlying immunological condition. We report a case of Mucormycosis in a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The patient had a history of dental pathology and associated renal dysfunction. The patient was managed by extensive surgical debridement followed by amphotericin B lipid complex injection (Abelcet 5 mg/bw kg/day) as an antifungal agent. Our patient's ocular function was affected. The radical treatment and follow-up by a multidisciplinary team eliminated the mucor-related consequences, however, the patient died because of end-stage renal failure. In conclusion, type 1 diabetes may be associated with invasive fungal sinusitis.

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis: pathways of spread

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is an invasive, opportunistic fungal infection usually seen in immunocompromised patients, and particularly in the setting of diabetes or immune deficiency. It is assumed that the port of entry is colonization of the nasal mucosa, allowing the fungus to spread via the paranasal sinuses into the orbit. Involvement of the brain and cavernous sinus occurs by way of the orbital apex; therefore, spheno-ethmoidectomy with or without maxillectomy seems to be the definitive method to eradicate this infection. We conducted a prospective study of ten patients with rhinocerebral mucormycosis from February 2000 to April 2004. Rhinocerebral mucormycosis was clinically diagnosed in 11 patients, 10 of whom were included in our study upon histopathological confirmation. Diabetes was the most common underlying disorder seen in nine out of ten patients. In this study, the patients were assessed for predisposing factors, presenting signs and symptoms, sites of extension, the number and sites of surgical debridement, as well as the outcome. Ocular, sinonasal and facial soft tissue involvement was common. Involvement of the pterygopalatine fossa at the time of debridement was evident in all patients. No invasion through the lamina papiracea or the walls of the maxillary sinus was identified. At the time of this communication, six out of ten patients were alive. For the four who died, the causes were hypokalemia, cardiac arrythmia and refractory pneumonia. Pterygopalatine fossa is considered to be the main reservoir for rhinocerebral mucormycosis, and extension into the orbit and facial soft tissues usually follows this route. After proliferation in the nasal cavity, the mucor reaches the pterygo-palatine fossa, inferior orbital fissure and finally the retroglobal space of the orbit, resulting in ocular signs. The facial soft tissues, palate and infratemporal fossa can be infected through connecting pathways from the pterygo-palatine fossa; therefore, debridement of the pterygopalatine fossa seems to be the definitive method of managing this infection.

Rhinoorbital Mucormycosis Secondary to Rhizopus Oryzae: A Case Report and Literature Review

Mucormycosis is a form of fulminant invasive fungal infection of the sinonasal tract that often extends to the orbit, brain, palate, and skin. It is caused by members of the order Mucorales, and it is considered to be the most fatal fungal infection known to man because it is rapidly disseminated by the blood vessels. It is most commonly associated with diabetic ketoacidosis, hematologic malignancies, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and immunosuppressive therapy. This rare opportunistic infection exists in many forms, the most common of which is rhinocerebral mucormycosis. Treatment includes aggressive surgical debridement of the necrotic tissue combined with systemic antifungal therapy. In this case report, we describe the successful management of rhinoorbital mucormycosis, a subtype of the rhinocerebral variety, secondary to Rhizopus oryzae that developed in a patient with lymphoma. We review the diagnostic work-up and discuss the literature with respect to the presentation, pathophysiology, management, and outcome of the disease.

Zigomicose após transplante hepático em adultos: relato de três casos

Relatam-se três casos de zigomicose após transplante hepático em uma série de 300 pacientes. O diagnóstico foi anatomopatológico (dois casos à necropsia e um à cirurgia). A doença manifestou-se de diferentes formas: rinomaxilar, gastrointestinal e, em um paciente, comprometeu a anastomose da artéria hepática. Neste caso, retirada cirúrgica da região comprometida e uso de anfotericina-B possibilitaram a cura.

CT assessment of bone marrow transplant patients with rhinocerebral aspergillosis

PURPOSE

Invasive rhinocerebral aspergillosis is a hazardous complication of bone marrow transplantation. A study was conducted to describe the computed tomography (CT) features of this disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Charts and CT scans of bone marrow transplant patients with invasive rhinocerebral aspergillosis were reviewed. The diagnosis was confirmed by otolaryngologic examination and biopsy of suspected lesions. Sinus CT scans were conducted without contrast material. They were repeated with contrast if intracranial or intraorbital extension was suspected. CT scans were correlated with physical examination, history of disease, and histology.

RESULTS

Of 1,013 bone marrow transplantations carried out over a 10-year period, 21 patients (2.07%) developed invasive rhinocerebral aspergillosis. In most cases the infection was unilateral. Air-fluid levels and calcifications were rarely encountered. Mucosal thickening, soft tissue hyperdense masses in the nasal cavity and/or sinuses, and clear (uninvolved) ethmoid cells amid diseased cells, were significant CT features that characterized invasive fungal infection. Opacification of the sinus represented extensive disease with tissue necrosis. When bone destruction was encountered, fulminant infection was already present, usually with significant orbital and/or brain invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

When correlated with clinical findings and histologic results, the above CT features can help identify early infection so that appropriate medical and surgical treatment can be instituted.

Influence of age on the presentation and outcome of acidotic and hyperosmolar diabetic emergencies

BACKGROUND

Diabetic emergencies associated with ketoacidosis (DKA) and a hyperosmolar, hyperglycaemic state (HHS) are both acute life-threatening metabolic disturbances. Traditionally, DKA and HHS have been classified as distinct entities but there is evidence to suggest that patients can present with elements of both conditions.

AIMS

To examine the presentation profiles, mortality rates and prognostic factors associated with a fatal outcome for diabetic patients admitted with ketoacidosis and/or hyperosmolarity.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 312 admissions to an Australian tertiary referral hospital between 1986 and 1999.

RESULTS

Of the patients surveyed, DKA was the diagnosis for 171 presentations (55%), HHS was the diagnosis for 47 presentations (15%) and combined DKA and HHS (DKA-HHS) was diagnosed for 94 presentations (30%). Age at presentation for DKA patients (33+/-1.2 years) was significantly less (P< 0.01) than DKA-HHS patients (44+/-2.4 years). This, in turn, was significantly less (P < 0.01) than HHS patients (69+/-1.7 years). There were 15 deaths for the 312 presentations, resulting in an overall mortality rate of 4.8%. Combined mortality rates according to age at presentation were: (i) 0/134 for patients aged <35 years, (ii) 1/85 (1.2%) for patients aged 35-55 years and (iii) 14/93 (15.0%) for patients aged >55 years. For the three categories of diabetic emergencies, mortality rates were: (i) 2/171 (1.2%) for DKA, (ii) 5/94 (5.3%) for DKA-HHS and (iii) 8/47 (17%) for HHS. For all presentations associated with ketoacidosis - regardless of the degree of hyperosmolarity - the mortality rate was 7/264 (2.7%), however for all presentations with hyperosmolarity regardless of the degree of acidosis - the mortality rate was 13/141 (9.2%). When the associations between age, category of diabetic emergency, serum osmolarity and various other biochemical parameters with mortality were assessed by logistic regression analysis, age and the degree of hyperosmolarity were found to be the most powerful predictors of a fatal outcome. In particular, patients aged >65 years presenting with a serum osmolarity >375 mOsmol/L were at greatest risk. However, in a multivariate analysis only age emerged as a significant independent predictor of mortality (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The mixed state of ketoacidosis and hyperosmolarity was observed in 30% of presentations for diabetic hyperglycaemic emergencies. Although age and degree of hyperosmolarity both influenced mortality rates, only age was found to be an independent predictor of mortality. The mortality rate for diabetic emergencies associated with ketoacidosis remained low, in keeping with other studies. By contrast, the mortality rate for diabetic emergencies associated with a hyperosmolar state remained considerably higher. This higher mortality will most likely persist because deaths associated with a hyperosmolar state were in elderly patients with significant comorbidity.

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis in the era of lipid-based amphotericin B: case report and literature review

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis (RCM) is an invasive fungal infection that necessitates, in most cases, aggressive surgical debridement and high cumulative, often nephrotoxic doses of amphotericin B. A 50-year-old woman with RCM was treated successfully with amphotericin B lipid complex as primary therapy. The patient previously had displayed progressive intracranial involvement and rising serum creatinine levels while receiving the conventional (nonlipid) form of amphotericin B. A literature review identified only a few cases where systemic antifungal therapy was administered, with minimal or no surgery. Our case further supports that amphotericin B lipid complex can be used as primary therapy in selected patients with RCM, without the need for surgical exenteration.

Mucormycosis manifesting as proptosis and unilateral blindness

A 51-year-old woman presented to the emergency department (ED) of another institution with sudden onset of blindness in the left eye. The patient was found to have no light perception in the left eye and a marked chemosis occurring several days after a fall. She was transferred to the hospital for ophthalmologic evaluation. Upon careful history and physical examination, the diagnosis of rhinocerebral mucormycosis was considered and urgent ophthalmology and otolaryngology consults were obtained. The patient underwent extensive surgical debridement and pharmacologic treatment. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathological specimens. In this case report, the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnostic workup, and ED management of mucormycosis are discussed, highlighting the possible diagnostic and therapeutic pitfalls that are most pertinent to the emergency physician.