Rhino-orbital and rhino-cerebral fungal disease: a potentially life threatening condition

ABSTRACT

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis and aspergilloma is a commonly fatal disease of immunocompromised patients which may also occur in otherwise healthy individuals. We report a series of six cases of fungal involvement of the air sinuses and orbits. Three patients also had intracranial extension. Two of our patients had an early fatal outcome in spite of intensive treatment with Amphotericin B. The importance of clinical suspicion in patients with rhino orbito cerebral mass lesions is emphasized. As four out of the six patients were not immunocompromised we recommend that the differential should be considered for all patients whether immunocompromised or not. Early CT Scanning, histological proof followed by radical surgery and antifungal drugs is recommended