Rhinocerebral mucormycosis--a case report.

BACKGROUND: Rhinocerebral mucormycosis (RCM) is a rare, fulminating opportunistic fungal infection caused by a fungus of order Mucorales. These fungi are ubiquitus, subsisting on decaying vegetation and diverse organic material. Although fungi and spores of Mucorales show minimal intrinsic pathogenicity towards normal person, they can initiate aggressive and fulminating infection in immunocompromised host. Since RCM occurs infrequently, it may pose a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma for those who are not familiar with its clinical presentation. CASE REPORT: We present a patient with classical presentation of RCM involving paranasal sinuses, orbit, and cranial base who was treated by combination of aggressive surgical and medical therapy. DISCUSSION: The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the clinical presentation and pathogenesis of RCM and to emphasize need for high index of suspicion in diagnosis and treatment.