Cephalic phycomycosis: a report of eight cases

Laryngoscope. 1982 Jul;92(7 Pt 1):755-60. doi: 10.1288/00005537-198207000-00008.

Abstract

Phycomycosis is the preferred terminology to define a fungal disease which may be devastating and fatal. It is caused by a nonseptate hyphae, class phycomycetes and genus (Rhizopus, Mucor, Absidia). Phycomycosis in man is usually associated with debilitating diseases such as: diabetes mellitus, leukemia and immunosuppressive conditions. The cephalic phycomycosis has two forms: 1. rhino-orbital cerebral which may be fatal, and 2. rhino-paranasal sinuses form which usually has a benign clinical course. From 1943 to 1967, only 45 cases of the cephalic form were described with a mortality rate of 50%. Since then several series have been added to the literature with improved survival, probably due to the addition of amphotericin B to the therapy. Even with modern therapy, the mortality rate is still about 30%. Modern technology C.T. scan is very helpful to establish orbital and intracranial extension. When intracranial involvement is present, the prognosis is dismal. Our series of 8 patients is reported.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Brain Diseases / diagnosis
  • Diabetes Complications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukemia / complications
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mucormycosis / etiology
  • Mucormycosis / pathology
  • Mucormycosis / therapy*
  • Nose Diseases / diagnosis
  • Orbital Diseases / diagnosis
  • Paranasal Sinus Diseases / diagnosis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Amphotericin B