Rhino-orbital mucormycosis in an immunocompetent pediatric patient with hyperglycemia of the hospitalized patient

Abstract

Introduction: Acute invasive rhino-orbital mucormycosis usually affects diabetic or neutropenic patients, and only exceptionally develops in immunocompetent adults and children. Methodology: A 12-years-old immunocompetent female, presented with complicated rhinosinusitis with a subperiosteal orbital abscess, without improvement after initial medical and surgical management, the patient also developed hyperglycemia of the hospitalized patient that represented a challenging and potentially lethal clinical scenario. Results: Diagnosed with an unsuspected rhino-orbital mucormycosis by direct microscopy and PCR, she survived after amphotericin B and surgical treatment. Conclusions: In cases with torpid clinical evolution, even in apparently immunocompetent patients, appropriate multidisciplinary workup must be performed to rule out opportunistic etiologies including mucormycosis to improve survival.