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Apophysomyces elegans causing acute otogenic cervicofacial zygomycosis involving salivary glands

Amit Goyal1, Isha Tyagi, Rajan Syal

  • 1Neuro-Otology Unit, Department of Neuro-Surgery, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, UP, India. meetugoyal@yahoo.com

Medical Mycology
|July 27, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This study details the first reported case of otogenic cervicofacial zygomycosis caused by Apophysomyces elegans, affecting salivary glands in a diabetic patient. Despite treatment, the infection proved fatal due to its aggressive nature and complications.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Zygomycosis is a severe fungal infection primarily impacting immunocompromised individuals.
  • Rhino-orbito-cerebral zygomycosis is the predominant form in the head and neck region.

Observation:

  • This case presents the first instance of otogenic cervicofacial zygomycosis involving salivary glands.
  • The infection was caused by Apophysomyces elegans and initiated after minor head trauma in a diabetic patient.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced extensive disease progression.
  • Despite surgical intervention and liposomal amphotericin B, the patient succumbed to the infection and associated metabolic/hemodynamic complications.

Implications:

  • Highlights salivary glands as a potential, albeit rare, site for Apophysomyces elegans zygomycosis.
  • Underscores the critical, often fatal, nature of zygomycosis, especially in diabetic patients.
  • Emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and prompt management of invasive fungal infections in head and neck trauma cases.

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