• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.39 no.6
• /
• pp.455-458
• /
• 2006

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is rare, but fatal infection of the nasal cavity and sinuses. It can spread to the orbits and cranium within days, and prognosis is directly associated with length of time before diagnosis and treatment. Rhinocerebral mucormycosis can cause cerebral infarction via carotid a artery occlusion. Therefore, neurosurgeon is paramount in making the proper management. We recently encountered a case of rhinocerebral mucormycosis with massive cerebral infarction. The clinical and radiological details of this case are presented here with a brief review of the literature.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.136-142
• /
• 2000

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is a rare but acutely fatal disease caused by fungi belonging to the order Mucorales, and characterized by an aggressive necrotizing infection spreading from the nose to the paranasal sinuses, orbit, and then to the central nervous system. It most frequently develops in individuals with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. The authors report a 65-year-old woman who developed intracerebral hemorrhage during treatment for rhinocerebral mucormycosis associated with diabetes mellitus. Despite the treatment, she became worse. The pertinent literatures were reviewed.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.21-25
• /
• 1993

We experienced a case of rhinocerebral form of mucormycosis in a 9-year-old male suffered from acute lymphocytic leukemia (FAB $L_2$). On 15th day of induction chemotherapy (Hospital day 23) pain, tenderness and swelling on left maxillary area of face were noticed. We confirmed mucormycosis by biopsy of mass in left maxillary sinus. He expired on Hospital day 47.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.152-156
• /
• 1994

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is an acute fulminant opportunistic fungal infection in debilitated patients with underlying pathologic conditions, which are diabetic ketoacidosis, immunosuppressed disease. We experienced a case of rhinocerebral mucormycosis. The patient was 41 year-old female, who had diabetes for five years and suffered from left facial swelling and pain, left ophthalmoplegia and facial skin necrosis. Total maxillectomy was done combined with systemic Amphotericin B therapy, Biopsy proved mucormycosis but she expired.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.39 no.5
• /
• pp.246-250
• /
• 2013

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis (RCM) is an opportunistic, potentially life-threatening fungal disease. This infective disease invades not only the facial sinuses, but also the maxilla, zygoma, and rhino-cerebral structures with a massive destruction of the facial skeletons and soft tissue. This disease progresses within various underlying diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, hematologic malignancy, renal failure, and systemic immunodepression. The relationship between mucormycosis and these underlying conditions have been discussed extensively in the literature. The authors studied 6 cases of RCM diagnosed by a tissue biopsy and treated at the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, from 1997 to 2012. Patients were treated with several kinds of surgical interventions and antifungal agents, and their clinical & radiological signs, underlying conditions, surgical methods, and outcomes were analyzed.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.231-236
• /
• 2021

Mucormycosis is an invasive, rapidly progressive, life-threatening fungal infection, with a propensity for diabetic, immunosuppressed, and trauma patients. The classic rhinocerebral variation is most common in diabetic patients. While the cutaneous form is usually caused by direct inoculation in immunocompetent patients. Cutaneous mucormycosis manifests in soft tissue and risks involvement of underlying structures. Tibial osteomyelitis can also occur secondary to cutaneous mucormycosis but is rare. Limb salvage is typically successful after lower extremity cutaneous mucormycosis even when the bone is involved. Herein, we report two cases of lower extremity cutaneous mucormycosis in diabetic patients that presented as acute worsening of chronic pretibial ulcers. Despite aggressive antifungal therapy and surgical debridement, both ultimately required amputation. Such aggressive presentation has not been reported in the absence of major penetrating trauma, recent surgery, or burns.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.45 no.5
• /
• pp.1087-1093
• /
• 1998

Mucormycosis is the common name given to several different diseases caused by fungi of the order Mucorales. The mucoraceae are ubiquitous fungi and are common inhabitants of decaying matter. In contrast to the widespread distribution of these fungi, disease in humans is limited, in most cases, to people with severe immunocompromised, diabetes mellitus, or trauma. 1be fungus gains entry to the body through the respiratory tract. The spores are presumably deposited in the nasal turbinates and may be inhaled into the pulmonary alveoli. The manifestations of mucormycosis are rhinocerebral, pulmonary, cutaneous, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and miscellaneous. Sporadic reports can be found of mucormycosis involving other areas : heart, bones, kidney, bladder, mediastinum, and trachea. However, isolated tracheal mucormycosis is very rare. Therefore, we report a 57-year old, noninsulin dependent diabetic woman who presented with acute, severe degree of upper airway obstruction due to isolated mucormycosis of the trachea.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.38 no.1
• /
• pp.93-95
• /
• 2011

Purpose: Mucormycosis generally occurs in patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and immunocompromised conditions. It is rare, but once a patient is infected with it, it can occur as a rapidly extending, aggressive, and life-threatening rhinocerebral infection with a high mortality rate. Methods: A 70-year-old female patient had a 40 years of history of adult onset diabetes mellitus. She presented herself with severe right hemifacial pain, swelling, and weakness for 3 days and was admitted to ENT. On a facial computed tomography (CT) scan, it was found that her infection extended from her inferior temporal scalp to her submental area and involved her submandibular, masseter, prevertebral, parapharyngeal, retropharyngeal, and pharyngeal mucosal space and pansinusitis. Through endoscopic sinus surgery, mucormycosis was confirmed via histologic examination. Results: Despite empiric antibiotics and amphotericin B administration, the patient was in a septic condition and in a coma. The patient's family wanted to withdraw her life support, and the patient expired. Conclusion: Mucormycosis is very rare, but is one of the disastrous complications of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Suspicion of its occurrence, based on identified risk factors, and its rapid diagnosis can enhance the chance of its cure.