infectious diseases
Mucormycosis
Symptoms and Signs of Mucormycosis
Rhinocerebral mucormycosisis usually severe and frequently fatal unless diagnosed early and treated aggressively. Necrotic lesions appear on the nasal mucosa or sometimes the palate. Vascular invasion by hyphae leads to thrombosis and to progressive tissue necrosis that may involve the nasal septum, palate, and bones surrounding the orbit or sinuses. Manifestations may include pain, fever, orbital cellulitis, proptosis, ophthalmoplegia, loss of vision, purulent nasal discharge, and mucosal necrosis. Progressive extension of necrosis to the brain can cause signs of cavernous sinus thrombosis, seizures, aphasia, or hemiplegia. Pulmonary mucormycosisresembles invasive aspergillosis. Pulmonary symptoms (eg, productive cough, high fever, dyspnea) are severe. 