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Nasoorbital mucormycosis
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Nasoorbital mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic infection caused by fungi of the family Mucoruceae, usually affecting patients with diabetic ketoacidosis or immunosuppression. This aggressive and fatal infection is characterized by involvement of the upper respiratory tract through inhalation of spores. From there, the infection spreads to adjacent sinuses, then to the orbit and brain. Vascular involvement in the form of occlusive vasculitis leads to ischemic infarctions of orbital tissues.
Nasoorbital mucormycosis is characterized by gradually increasing swelling of the facial and periorbital tissues, diplopia, and loss of vision.
[ Symptoms of Nasoorbital Mucormycosis
- Ischemic infarctions and septic necrosis result in the appearance of black scabs on the palate, choanae, nasal septum, skin and eyelids.
- Ophthalmoplegia.
- Orbital cellulitis develops more slowly than bacterial cellulitis.
Complications include retinal vascular occlusion, multiple cranial nerve palsies, and cerebral vascular occlusion.
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Treatment of nasoorbital mucormycosis
- Amphotericin intravenously.
- Daily patching and irrigation of affected areas with amphotericin.
- Wide excision of non-viable and necrotic tissue.
- Supplemental hyperbaric oxygenation may be helpful.
- If possible, correction of metabolic disorders.
- In intractable cases, orbital exenteration may be required.