Auricular Mucormycosis: Comprehensive Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Auricular mucormycosis is a rare, aggressive fungal infection.
• It predominantly affects immunocompromised individuals, especially those with uncontrolled diabetes.
• This report focuses on a unique case of isolated auricular mucormycosis with facial nerve palsy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of auricular mucormycosis with facial nerve palsy in a diabetic patient.
• To discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with this rare infection.
• To review the existing literature on auricular mucormycosis.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 54-year-old female with auricular mucormycosis and facial nerve palsy.
• Management included broad-spectrum antibiotics, liposomal amphotericin B, surgical debridement, and partial auricular resection.
• Literature review of documented cases of auricular mucormycosis.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced auricular edema, necrosis, and pain, with gradual improvement in facial nerve function (House-Brackmann grade IV to II).
• Successful stabilization was achieved through surgical interventions and prolonged antifungal therapy.
• Literature review identified 6 cases, all in diabetic patients, with a 33.3% mortality rate and frequent facial nerve paralysis.

Conclusions:

• Early diagnosis and aggressive management are vital for auricular mucormycosis.
• Multimodal treatment including antifungals, surgery, and underlying condition management improves outcomes.
• Auricular mucormycosis presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly regarding facial nerve involvement.