A case of mucormycosis limited to the parotid gland.
BACKGROUND
Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection commonly affecting structures in the head and neck such as air sinuses, orbits, and the brain. Common predisposing factors include diabetes and immunosuppression. To date, only one case of mucormycosis involving the parotid gland has been reported, and this infection was associated with a fatal outcome.


METHODS
We report a case of parotid gland mucormycosis in a 45-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes, who was successfully treated with a superficial parotidectomy and intravenous amphotericin B.


RESULTS
After initial surgical and antifungal therapy, the patient was left with a residual facial nerve palsy for which multiple sling procedures were performed. She is currently alive and well 6 years after the diagnosis of mucormycosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Mucormycosis of the parotid gland is a rare form of this often-fatal infection. In this case, infection remained isolated to the parotid gland and was diagnosed soon after presentation. The patient most likely survived because of the early diagnosis, successful surgical removal of all infected tissue, use of intravenous amphotericin therapy, and the aggressive management of comorbidities such as her diabetes.
Chandu
Arun
A
Department of ENT/Head and Neck Surgery, Austin Health, Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia.
MacIsaac
Richard J
RJ
MacGregor
Duncan P
DP
Campbell
Matthew C
MC
Wilson
Michael J
MJ
Bach
Leon A
LA
D000666:Amphotericin B / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009091:Mucormycosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000601:surgery
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D000666:Amphotericin B