Improving outcomes in rhinocerebral mucormycosis - early diagnostic pointers and prognostic factors

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is an uncommon, rapidly progressive, highly fatal sinus infection, usually occurring in immunocompromised hosts. We describe our clinical experience with nine such consecutive cases managed at our centre, with emphasis on identifying early diagnostic and prognostic features. Perinasal cellulitis/paraesthesia was the most frequent early clinical sign of disease, being evident in at least six cases. Periorbital oedema, mucopurulent rhinorrhoea and nasal crusting were the other early manifestations. Concurrent computed tomography (CT) scan at this initial stage however revealed only minimal mucosal thickening of the sinuses in all four cases wherein it was done. Intracranial extension as evident on CT was the only adverse prognostic sign (p