Adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of bilateral cerebro-rhino-orbital mucormycosis.

Survival is uncommon in bilateral cerebro-rhino-orbital mucormycosis treated surgically and medically. A 66-year-old man in previously good health had bilateral cerebro-rhino-orbital mucormycosis and newly diagnosed nonketotic diabetes mellitus at initial examination. Total loss of vision, proptosis, and ophthalmoplegia of both eyes were present. The patient was treated with aggressive surgical and medical therapies that included bilateral orbital exenteration, intravenous and local amphotericin B, hyperbaric oxygen, and control of the diabetes mellitus. One and one-half years after onset of the illness, the patient is alert and clinically stable. The importance of prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment of this disease is emphasized by this case. Additionally, we suggest that adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen is a reasonable modality in the treatment of this often fatal disease.