Periorbital zygomycosis (mucormycosis) treated with posaconazole

Abstract

Purpose: To report on the successful treatment of periorbital zygomycosis (mucormycosis) with posaconazole, a broad-spectrum oral antifungal available for compassionate use.

Design: Interventional case report.

Methods: Review of a medical record.

Results: A 22-year-old male undergoing induction chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia presented with periorbital cellulitis attributable to Rhizopus. The patient was initially treated with liposomal amphotericin B, surgical debridement, and reversal of immune compromise. The patient was switched to posaconazole because of amphotericin side effects and lack of improvement. He took posaconazole for five months while undergoing additional cycles of chemotherapy. Despite recurrent profound neutropenia, the periorbital infection resolved, he tolerated reconstructive procedures, and he did not develop orbital invasion. His Rhizopus isolate was highly susceptible to posaconazole in vitro.

Conclusions: Drug toxicities can limit the use of amphotericin in some patients with zygomycosis. Posaconazole shows promise as an alternative antifungal agent in the treatment of periorbital zygomycosis.