Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Experimental Model of Ligature-Induced Peri-Implantitis in Mice
05:37

Experimental Model of Ligature-Induced Peri-Implantitis in Mice

Published on: May 17, 2024

3.6K

A Fatal Outcome of Rhino-orbito-cerebral Mucormycosis Following Tooth Extraction: A Case Report

Hesham Y Abdel Motaleb1, Mostafa S Mohamed1, Fahmy A Mobarak2

  • 1Resident, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Nasser Institute Hospital for Research and Treatment, Cairo, Egypt.

Journal of International Oral Health : JIOH
|July 31, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is a dangerous fungal infection, often fatal in immunocompromised individuals. This case highlights a fatal outcome after tooth extraction in a diabetic patient, emphasizing the need for prompt diagnosis and management.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is a rare, aggressive fungal infection with high mortality, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals.
  • Early detection and prompt management are crucial for improving patient prognosis in ROCM cases.
  • Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for opportunistic infections like mucormycosis.

Observation:

  • This report details a fatal case of ROCM in a patient with uncontrolled non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
  • The infection developed following a tooth extraction procedure.
  • The patient succumbed to the infection 14 days after admission.

Findings:

  • The case illustrates a severe presentation of ROCM in a diabetic patient.
  • Tooth extraction served as a potential trigger or entry point for the fungal infection.
  • The aggressive nature of ROCM led to a fatal outcome despite medical intervention.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the critical importance of vigilant monitoring and management of diabetes mellitus to prevent severe opportunistic infections.
  • It highlights the potential risk of ROCM following invasive dental procedures in susceptible individuals.
  • Emphasizes the need for heightened clinical suspicion and rapid diagnostic protocols for ROCM, especially in patients with risk factors.
Keywords:
Fatalfungal infectionmucormycosisrhino-orbito-cerebraltooth extraction

More Related Videos

Lateral Molar Approach-Driven Transoral Endoscopic Procedure for Benign Infratemporal Fossa Tumor Resection04:04

Lateral Molar Approach-Driven Transoral Endoscopic Procedure for Benign Infratemporal Fossa Tumor Resection

Published on: August 15, 2025

654

Related Concept Videos

Cranial Bones: Lateral View01:27

Cranial Bones: Lateral View

The lateral view of the cranium is dominated by temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...