Rhinocerebral mucormycosis, also known as zygomycosis, is a rare disease caused by filamentous fungi that affect the nose, paranasal sinuses, and brain. Filamentous fungi are opportunistic pathogens that frequently infect individuals with weakened immune systems. Due to its association with individuals who are already immunocompromised, this fungus exhibits rapid and aggressive growth, leading to a well-defined, fulminant, and potentially life-threatening condition. Timely intervention is imperative to save lives and prevent permanent neurological complications in affected patients. Although, in most cases, this condition presents as an acute fungal infection, chronic presentations have also been described. These chronic forms are indolent and slowly progressive, occurring over several weeks.
Commonly associated medical conditions include diabetic ketoacidosis, severe burns, steroid therapy, solid organ transplantation, prolonged corticosteroid therapy, hemochromatosis, HIV-infected patients, neutropenia, malnutrition, and hematological malignancies. However, it is noteworthy that the absence of predisposing factors does not rule out the possibility of mucormycosis. Research has shown that approximately 9% of rhinocerebral mucormycosis cases occur in patients without identifiable predisposing factors.
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