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Mucormycosis of the sphenoid sinus in an otherwise healthy patient. Case report and literature review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

A. Del Valle Zapico*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain.
A. Rubio Suárez
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain.
P. Mellado Encinas
Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain.
C. Morales Angulo
Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain.
E. Cabrera Pozuelo
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain.
*
Address for correspondence: Adolfo del Valle Zapico, Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, 39008 Santander, Spain. Fax: 3442-202655

Abstract

Paranasal and rhinocerebral mucormycosis refers to uncommon opportunistic fungal infections, reported to occur especially in association with diabetic acidosis (the most common), immunosuppressive therapy, malignancy, or other chronic debilitating disorders. However, patients who have no underlying disease have occasionally been affected. According to the literature reviewed, only 13 well-documented cases without any predisposing factor have been previously reported. We describe a unique case of sphenoidal mucormycosis in an otherwise healthy individual, and the first patient to present with headache as the only symptom. We emphasize the importance of a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis and prompt management.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1996

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