Rhinoorbital mucormycosis - Unveiling the hidden menace : A Case Series

Document Type : Short Reports (case reports)

Authors

1 North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, Darjeeling, India

2 Department of Radiodiagnosis, North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, Darjeeling, India

Abstract

Background: Mucormycosis is a life-threatening angioinvasive infection caused by filamentous fungi of the order Mucorales. The disease occurs commonly in immunocompromised individuals with hematological malignancies or those undergoing stem cell transplantation. Major risk factors include immunosuppression, uncontrolled diabetes, iron overload, and trauma. Diagnosis and treatment remain challenging due to inherent antifungal resistance. Depending on the host's immunological condition and route of infection, clinical and radiological symptoms differ across patients. Case Series:  We present two cases of rhino-orbital mucormycosis in middle-aged individuals who were reported to the outpatient department of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital with varied clinical presentations. Neither patients had any history of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Our report demonstrates the role of radiological investigation; Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for prompt confirmation of clinical suspicion with adequate confidence. Conclusion: Invasive mucormycosis has been found to cause high morbidity and mortality with death rates up to 50%. Therefore, it is critical to maintain a high degree of suspicion for infection since early diagnosis and initiation of necessary treatment improves patient outcomes. MRI helps in early diagnosis of the condition and helps in quick treatment initiation thus improving patient outcome.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Microbes and Infectious Diseases

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 18 November 2023

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