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Chronic rhinocerebral mucormycosis
W C Harrill1, M G Stewart, A G Lee
1Department of Otolarynology and Communicative Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
The Laryngoscope
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Chronic rhinocerebral mucormycosis (CRM) presents indolently over months, primarily in diabetic patients. Ophthalmic symptoms are common, but survival rates remain high despite increased thrombosis risk.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Rhinocerebral mucormycosis (CRM) is a severe fungal infection.
- It often presents acutely in immunocompromised or diabetic ketoacidosis patients.
- Chronic presentations are less common but described.
Observation:
- This study reviews 18 cases of chronic rhinocerebral mucormycosis.
- The median time to diagnosis was 7 months.
- Ophthalmologic symptoms like ptosis and visual loss were most common.
Findings:
- Chronic rhinocerebral mucormycosis predominantly affects diabetic patients.
- Internal carotid artery and cavernous sinus thrombosis occurred more frequently.
- The overall survival rate for chronic rhinocerebral mucormycosis was 83%.
Implications:
- Chronic rhinocerebral mucormycosis is clinically distinct from acute presentations and other fungal infections.
- Early recognition of indolent symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
- Despite complications, a high survival rate suggests effective treatment strategies exist.