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Infections of the head and neck in diabetes mellitus

M R Tierney1, A S Baker

  • 1Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|March 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Diabetic patients are highly susceptible to severe head and neck infections, including rhinocerebral mucormycosis, postoperative endophthalmitis, and malignant otitis externa. This article details these serious diabetic-associated infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Ophthalmology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus compromises immune function, increasing susceptibility to severe infections.
  • Head and neck infections pose significant risks for diabetic patients.
  • Specific infections discussed include rhinocerebral mucormycosis, postoperative endophthalmitis, and malignant otitis externa.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss severe head and neck infections in diabetic patients.
  • To provide an overview of rhinocerebral mucormycosis, postoperative endophthalmitis, and malignant otitis externa.
  • To highlight the particular vulnerability of individuals with diabetes mellitus to these conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing knowledge.
  • Discussion of the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of each infection.
  • Emphasis on the association between diabetes mellitus and these infections.

Main Results:

  • Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is a life-threatening fungal infection originating in the sinuses.
  • Postoperative endophthalmitis is an intraocular infection that can lead to vision loss.
  • Malignant otitis externa, often caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is a severe infection of the ear and surrounding bone, predominantly seen in diabetics.

Conclusions:

  • Diabetic patients face elevated risks for specific, severe head and neck infections.
  • Early recognition and management are crucial for improving outcomes in these patients.
  • Understanding the link between diabetes and these infections is vital for healthcare providers.

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