Ophtalmoplegia complicating sino-orbital mucormycosis

To report a case of complete ophthalmoplegia and blindness in sino-orbital mucormycosis.

A 68-year-old woman with history of diabetes and breast cancer presented with sudden onset of fever, orbital pain and blindness in the right eye. The patient was found to have no light perception, complete ophthalmoplegia, chemosis, corneal ulcer and optic nerve atrophy. In rhinologic examination, necrosis was noticed. Brain and orbit magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse sinusitis with orbital involvement. The result of the clinical examination was reported as sino-orbitalmucormycosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathological specimens. The patient underwent extensive surgical debridement and systemic antifungal treatment. Despite treatment, visual acuity did not recover.

The sino-orbital form of mucormycosis is a rare and insidious fungal infection. Ocular findings may range from orbital pain to ophtalmoplegia and blindness such as in our case. Black scar tissues seen on the nasal mucosa are pathognomonic. Delay in treatment due to late presentation and complications were major determinants in ocular prognosis and survival outcome.