Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) and associated cerebritis treated with adjuvant retrobulbar amphotericin B.

PURPOSE: We report a case of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) with focal anterior cerebritis treated favorably with retrobulbar amphotericin B and systemic antifungals.

OBSERVATIONS: A 55-year-old diabetic male presented to the emergency department with left sided proptosis, left temple headache, maxillary sinus pain, and diplopia of 3 days duration. Biopsy results from the left middle turbinate, ethmoid, and maxillary sinus revealed broad and irregular non-septate hyphae consistent with mucormycosis. Despite treatment with intravenous antifungals and endoscopic debridement of the sinuses, his condition did not improve. Disease progression included the development of left ophthalmoplegia and left-sided cerebritis. The patient received retrobulbar injection of deoxycholate amphotericin B with eventual disease resolution, without exenteration.

CONCLUSIONS

We present a case of ROCM with associated cerebritis that responded to retrobulbar amphotericin B, without exenteration.