CT scanning in rhinocerebral mucormycosis and aspergillosis

Patients with rhinocerebral mucormycosis and rhinocerebral aspergillosis had computed tomography (CT) as well as other studies. Characteristic sinus involvement was demonstrated by CT and conventional tomography, but the latter produced a better image of bone destruction. CT was clearly superior in demonstrating orbital involvement, the most common of which included lateral displacement of a thickened medial rectus muscle, increased density of the orbital apex, and often enlargement of the optic nerve. Orbital venography and carotid arteriography were diagnostically helpful. Recognition of the characteristic pattern of sinus and orbital involvement should be helpful in leading to early biopsy and treatment.