Cerebro-rhino orbital mucormycosis: An update

SummaryMucormycosis is an uncommon fungal infection which can lead to fulminant necrotizing infection under optimal host condition. Fungi have the ability to invade blood vessels and can affect different parts of the body. The most common, though the most aggressive, form is cerebro-rhino-orbital mucormycosis that occurs in debilitated patients, in conjunction with sinus or para-sinus involvement.Due to increased number of newly diagnosed cases of mucormycosis world-wide resulting from uncontrolled metabolic conditions, this paper intends to widen the reader's scope and knowledge about the nature of the disease and its multicomplexity that require a collaborative effort for careful management. Patients who are at risks both at the onset of the disease and during its management have been identified in the paper.

► Mucormycosis is a life-threatening fungal infection common in immunocompromised patients. ► Cerebro-rhino orbital mucormycosis is the most common type of mucormycosis. ► Iron metabolism, hypoxia and metabolic ketoacidosis play key roles in its pathophysiology. ► Antibiotics, immunosuppressive drugs and hematological malignancies are common risk factors. ► Laboratory investigations and imaging are important to confirm clinical diagnosis.