Imaging features of rhinocerebral mucormycosis: from onset to vascular complications

Acta Radiol. 2022 Feb;63(2):232-244. doi: 10.1177/0284185120988828. Epub 2021 Feb 20.

Abstract

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis (RCM) may result in severe intracranial ischemic and hemorrhagic lesions. Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play an essential role in the diagnosis of RCM, but whereas CT is better for assessing bone erosion, MRI is superior in evaluating soft tissue, intraorbital extension, and in assessing intracranial and vascular invasion. Specific CT and MRI techniques, such as CT angiography or enhanced MR angiography, and more advanced MRI sequences such as gadolinium-3D Black Blood imaging, contribute to the assessment of the extension of vascular invasion.In this pictorial review, we describe specific CT and MRI signs of RCM, mainly focusing on its life-threatening complications due to vascular involvement.

Keywords: Rhinocerebral mucormycosis; brain infarct; brain infection; fungal sinusitis; intracranial hemorrhage; stroke.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Diseases / complications
  • Brain Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Diseases / parasitology*
  • Brain Ischemia / etiology
  • Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis / etiology
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / etiology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Mucormycosis / complications
  • Mucormycosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neuroimaging*
  • Orbital Diseases / complications
  • Orbital Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Orbital Diseases / parasitology
  • Sinusitis / complications
  • Sinusitis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Sinusitis / parasitology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*