Zygomycosis: an uncommon cause for peripheral facial palsy in diabetes

Diabetes Metab. 2007 Jun;33(3):227-9. doi: 10.1016/j.diabet.2006.12.001. Epub 2007 Mar 27.

Abstract

Mucormycosis is an emerging fungal infection with a high rate of mortality. Diabetic and immuno-compromised patients are the most frequent hosts. We report a case of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis revealed by facial palsy in a diabetic, immuno-compromised patient with difficult life conditions. He received intravenous antifungal treatment (amphotericin B) and early surgical debridement and completely recovered with no recurrence after 3 months of follow-up. Physicians should be aware of such atypical clinical presentations due to the need for early appropriate combined medical and surgical management to improve disease recovery and prognosis.

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Complications / diagnosis*
  • Facial Paralysis / diagnostic imaging
  • Facial Paralysis / etiology*
  • Fungi
  • Humans
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Zygomycosis / diagnosis*
  • Zygomycosis / diagnostic imaging