Rhinocerebral mucormycosis: predisposing factors.

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is, with few exceptions, only reported in patients with severe metabolic or immunologic imbalances. Factors which may predispose to the development of mucormycosis are reviewed. These factors include ketoacidosis and immunologic deficiency states due either to the primary disease or to the treatment for other diseases. An appreciation for these predisposing factors is very important in order that aggressive diagnosis and therapy be undertaken without delay.