Brain abscess by mycotic and bacterial infection in a diabetic patient: clinical report and review of literature

J Craniofac Surg. 2006 May;17(3):578-84. doi: 10.1097/00001665-200605000-00034.

Abstract

This report presents a case of lethal invasive mucormycosis, a rare fungal infection, which predominantly affects immunocompromised patients, and is reported in a 57-year-old female who presented with cerebral abscess. The patient, who had undiagnosed diabetes mellitus, presented with extensive right hemifacial deficiency of the bones and soft tissues consequent to surgical resection of the ethmoid-spheno-maxillo-orbital district after mucormycosis. A reconstruction with a pectoral pedunculated flap was performed. The maxillary swelling extended to the contiguous area, involving the palate and homolateral orbital floor. Mucous and cutaneous samples showed the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus, and diagnosis of rhinocerebral mucormycosis was made. The patients also presented with a right hemiplegia consequent to a cerebral abscess by Eikenella corrodens. The authors decided to position an intraoral prosthesis to restore palatal integrity and masticatory function and inserted four titanium fixtures for the retention of the bone-anchored facial prosthesis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillus fumigatus / physiology*
  • Brain Abscess / microbiology*
  • Diabetes Complications / diagnosis*
  • Eikenella corrodens / physiology*
  • Female
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Maxillary Sinus / microbiology
  • Maxillofacial Prosthesis
  • Middle Aged
  • Mucormycosis / surgery
  • Neuroaspergillosis / diagnosis*
  • Orbital Diseases / microbiology
  • Orbital Diseases / surgery
  • Paranasal Sinus Diseases / microbiology
  • Paranasal Sinus Diseases / surgery
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Sphenoid Sinus / microbiology