Rhinocerebral mucormycosis in diabetic patients. Review of a clinical case

Abstract

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is a lethal opportunistic fungal infection. It is the most common presentation of this mycosis and has a higher prevalence in diabetic patients, originating in the mucosa of the nasal sinuses after the inhalation of fungal spores. The study of the pathogenesis, dissemination routes, and interaction with the host will help us to understand the rapid progression of the disease, which spreads to surrounding tissues increasing its morbidity and mortality due to the angioinvasive property of the fungus. We present the case of a 77-year-old diabetic male with a diagnosis of rhinocerebral mucormycosis treated by maxillectomy and an antifungal scheme of amphotericin B.