Bread mold infection in diabetes. The life-threatening condition of rhinocerebral zygomycosis

L. A. Oakley, John Fremont Fisher, Jacquelyn Hammond Dennison

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Rhinocerebral zygomycosis is a rare but dangerous fungal infection that affects primarily diabetic patients in ketoacidosis but other debilitated patients as well. A high index of suspicion among primary care physicians will lead to earlier diagnosis and help reduce the severe morbidity and mortality associated with the condition. Zygomycosis should be strongly suspected in diabetic patients presenting with unilateral headache, nasal congestion, or facial pain and swelling. If hyphae are not seen in nasal secretions on microscopy, biopsy of infected tissue must be done immediately to establish a diagnosis. Prompt treatment, including appropriate surgical intervention, amphotericin B therapy, and correction of metabolic derangements, is essential.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)93-102
Number of pages10
JournalPostgraduate Medicine
Volume80
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1986

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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