Rhino-orbital mucormycosis in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and neutropenia

Abstract

Purpose: To present a case of rhino-orbital mucormycosis in a patient with AIDS and neutropenia managed without exenteration.

Methods: Case report.

Results: A 60-year-old African-American man with AIDS developed neutropenia that was probably secondary to antiretroviral therapy. He developed right rhino-orbital mucormycosis and was treated with right partial ethmoidectomy with debridement and liposomal amphotericin B. The infection was cured without need for orbital exenteration, although visual acuity in his right eye ultimately was no light perception.

Conclusion: Rhino-orbital mucormycosis is uncommon in patients with AIDS. When rhino-orbital mucormycosis occurs, patients require a careful search for an underlying metabolic derangement such as neutropenia. Treatment should be aggressive, but these patients may not require orbital exenteration.