Rapidly Progressing Rhino-Cerebral Mucormycosis - A Case Report

Research Article
Sandeep T and Banashankari GS
DOI: 
xxx-xxxxx-xxxx
Subject: 
science
KeyWords: 
Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis, Rhizopus species, Diabetes Mellitus
Abstract: 

Mucormycosis, a clinical condition caused by fungi belonging to Zygomycetes are usually life threatening because of their unique ability to invade the veins and arteries. It is classically defined as an opportunistic infection, preferentially affecting patients with diabetes mellitus, neutropenia, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Lipid formulations of amphotericin B are the mainstay of treatment, along with aggressive surgical therapy. We present a case of rapidly progressing rhinocerebral mucormycosis in a 45 year old lady with type 2 diabetes mellitus. She had unilateral ophthalmoplegia, loss of vision and headache. She was on treatment for diabetes but her sugar levels were not under control. The biopsy from the retro-orbital tissue yielded Rhizopus species on culture. She was started on Amphotericin B but the infection had progressed and patient succumbed to the disease. Appropriate control of sugar levels, early detection of such invasive fungal infections will help in reducing the mortality of patients.