Fatal rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis in an apparently normal host: case report and literature review.

Fungal infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are fortunately rare but remain challenging problems occurring mostly in immunocompromised individuals, with protean manifestations, unpredictable course and unfavorable outcome in many cases despite aggressive neurosurgical intervention and recent antifungal drugs. Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is a potentially lethal opportunistic fungal infection with rapid progression and high mortality. Its pathogenic nature becomes evident when the patient's general resistance is compromised. We present a case of an invasive rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis in an apparently normal adult who initially developed mild paranasal sinusitis and later developed status epilepticus and despite an aggressive management died. Interesting clinical, neuroimaging and histological findings are described, and the possibility of fatal mucormycosis in an apparently normal host is highlighted. Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.