Rhino-orbital-cerebral zygomycosis in a young boy: Case report

Abstract

Rhino-orbital-cerebral Zygomycosis is a rare opportunistic infection of sinuses, orbit and brain which is caused by saprophytic fungi which belongs to the order of Mucorales. It is one of the fulminant and fatal mycotic infections known to human beings with a high mortality rate. An increased incidence of zygomycosis has been observed in immuno-compromised patients such as poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, blood dyscrasias, malnutrition, neutropenia, iron overload, organ transplant and immuno-suppressive therapy but they can also occur in normal hosts rarely. We report here a case of 21-year old diabetic young boy presented with a history of non-specific headache, pain abdomen, vomiting and progressive swelling of left eye and altered sensorium. On the basis of MRI findings and micro biological investigations, he was diagnosed as a case of rhino-orbital-cerebral zygomycosis. He was treated successfully with a combination of surgical debridement and systemic amphotericin B administration.