Mucormycosis of the head and neck.

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is an uncommon but devastating infection of the head and neck. The fungus most commonly affects diabetics who are in ketoacidosis, but can affect other immunosuppressed individuals such as leukemics, burn patients, and patients with chronic renal failure. The pathogenicity of the organism is characterized by a ketone reductase system and its ability to invade arterial blood vessels. Treatment is directed towards correction of the underlying disorder, surgical debridement, intravenous antifungal agents, and possibly a new adjuvant, hyperbaric oxygen. A detailed review of this disease process is provided, along with the recent advances and successes in treating rhinocerebral mucormycosis.