Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Curcuminoid-Mediated Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy on a Murine Model of Oral Candidiasis
06:39

Curcuminoid-Mediated Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy on a Murine Model of Oral Candidiasis

Published on: October 27, 2023

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis

Ramazan Gen1, Elif Şahin Horasan, Yusuf Vaysoğlu

  • 1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Mersin University Medical School, Mersin, Turkey.

The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|March 26, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Mucormycosis is a severe fungal infection, particularly dangerous for immunocompromised individuals. This report details two fatal cases of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis in patients experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Mucormycosis is a severe fungal infection affecting immunocompromised individuals.
  • Diabetes mellitus is the primary risk factor for mucormycosis.
  • Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is the most prevalent form in diabetic patients.

Observation:

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis is a critical complication in diabetic patients.
  • The study presents two cases of fatal rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis.
  • These cases occurred in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Findings:

  • Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis presents with diverse symptoms including sinusitis, vision loss, and neurological deficits.
  • Fatal outcomes were observed in two patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and mucormycosis.
  • The link between diabetic ketoacidosis and severe mucormycosis outcomes is highlighted.

Implications:

  • Early recognition and management of mucormycosis in diabetic ketoacidosis patients are crucial.
  • Understanding risk factors like diabetes is vital for preventing severe fungal infections.
  • This highlights the need for heightened vigilance in immunocompromised patients with diabetes.

Related Concept Videos

Diabetic Ketoacidosis l: Introduction01:25

Diabetic Ketoacidosis l: Introduction

DefinitionDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute, life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by a triad of hyperglycemia (blood glucose >250 mg/dL), ketonemia or ketonuria, and metabolic acidosis (arterial pH <7.30 and serum bicarbonate <18 mEq/L). It results from insulin deficiency combined with elevated levels of counterregulatory hormones—glucagon, catecholamines, cortisol, and growth hormone—leading to increased lipolysis, hepatic ketone production, and...
Diabetic Ketoacidosis ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Diabetic Ketoacidosis ll: Pathophysiology

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a metabolic emergency characterized by hyperglycemia, ketonemia, and metabolic acidosis. It results from severe insulin deficiency and an excess of counterregulatory hormones, leading to uncontrolled lipolysis, ketogenesis, and widespread electrolyte and fluid disturbances.Pathophysiology The central event in DKA is a profound loss of insulin action. Without insulin, glucose uptake in insulin-dependent tissues is impaired, while hepatic glucose production...
Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State01:21

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State, or HHS, is a serious and life-threatening complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is characterized by three main features: severe hyperglycemia, profound dehydration, and elevated serum osmolality, all occurring without significant ketoacidosis.HHS typically develops in older adults or individuals with limited access to fluids. This may result from illness, cognitive impairment, or medications such as diuretics or corticosteroids. These factors reduce...
Complications of Diabetes Mellitus01:22

Complications of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency, resistance, or both. Prolonged hyperglycemia disrupts metabolic homeostasis and leads to acute and chronic complications.Acute ComplicationsAcute complications result from sudden metabolic imbalance.Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) mainly appears in type 1 diabetes but may also develop in type 2 diabetes, particularly under extreme stress. It arises from severe insulin deficiency,...
Diabetic Retinopathy01:27

Diabetic Retinopathy

DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...