Published in

SAGE Publications, Neurohospitalist, 1(12), p. 127-130, 2021

DOI: 10.1177/19418744211025369

Links

Tools

Export citation

Search in Google Scholar

Orbital Apex Syndrome Due to Mucormycosis – Missed on Initial MRI

Journal article published in 2021 by Sina Marzoughi ORCID, Tychicus Chen ORCID
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

Full text: Download

Green circle
Preprint: archiving allowed
Green circle
Postprint: archiving allowed
Red circle
Published version: archiving forbidden
Data provided by SHERPA/RoMEO

Abstract

A 64-year-old man with a history of diabetes mellitus and end stage renal disease presented with a several day history of cognitive decline, reduced right eye visual acuity accompanied with a complete right ophthalmoplegia in keeping with orbital apex syndrome. Initial MRI was unremarkable other than mucosal thickening in the frontal sinuses. He continued to clinically decline and repeat MRI revealed an edematous right optic nerve and a lack of enhancement within the sinuses was suspicion for invasive fungal infection. Given his history of diabetes, he was started on anti-fungal treatment and taken for debridement but passed away several days later. This case illustrates the importance of the orbital apex syndrome as a localization. Mucormycosis should be considered in acute onset ophthalmoplegia particularly in patients with diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis. Empiric anti-fungal therapy should be started early for suspected rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis, although mortality remains high despite treatment.