title: Rhinocerebral mucormycosis.
abstract: We report a case of rhinocerebral mucormycosis associated with diabetic ketoacidosis. The features of this rare, fulminating, fungal infection were not appreciated because of ignorance about the condition. The typical features include continued drowsiness in spite of correction of the diabetic ketoacidosis, black ulcer of the palate, septum or turbinate, facial pain, and cellulitis with varying eye and neurological signs. The general aspects of the infection are discussed, emphasizing that the mainstay of treatment is correction of the underlying condition, surgical debridement, and intravenous amphotericin B. Awareness of the condition will enable early diagnosis and adequate treatment to ensure the best chance of survival.
mesh_terms: D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D005005:Ethmoid Sinus; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008443:Maxillary Sinus; D008875:Middle Aged; D009091:Mucormycosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D009668:Nose Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D012233:Rhizopus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000209:etiology