[Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis]

Abstract

Mucormycosis is a rare but serious type of fungal infection, which can progress rapidly especially in immunsupressed patients.We report about a 47 year old female patient with ptosis on the left eye. The ophthalmological report offered no further pathologic findings. Diabetes mellitus was known and the blood sugar value was very high.A computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses showed a shadow in the ethmoid bone and in an additonally performed MRI-scan, an increase of orbital fat and an extension of the ocular muscle were visible.As the patient lost her ability o look above, an operation of the paranasal sinus was done.The microbial results revealed a Mucormycosis (Lichtheimia). As the patient went blind in the further course, indication for orbital exenteration on the left side and revision of the paranasal sinus was given. High doses of Liposomal Ampthotericin B and Posaconazol were given and blood sugar was monitored very strictly. MRI-scans revealed a further progression of the infection and required additional surgeries and a dura resection accompanied by complications like recurrent septical episodes, renal insufficiency, a bifrontal epidural hematoma and multiple cerebral microinfarcts that impeded the recovery of our patient in the further course. After 8 months she was able to leave the hospital, an epithesis was adjusted and she is without a relapse for 24 month since the diagnosis.