Role of Radiology in Mucormycosis: Recent Trends
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/ijphrd.v13i1.17315Keywords:
Rhinocerebral mucormycosis, imaging findings, MRI, neuroradiologyAbstract
Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe common radiographic
patterns that may be useful in predicting the diagnosis of rhinocerebral mucormycosis. Methods:
We retrospectively evaluated the imaging and clinical data of four males and one female, 3 to 72
years old, with rhinocerebral mucormycosis. Results: All the patients presented with sinusitis and
ophthalmological symptoms. Most of the patients (80%) had isointense lesions relative to brain in
T1-weighted images. The signal intensity in T2-weighted images was more variable, with only one
(20%) patient showing hyperintensity. A pattern of anatomic involvement affecting the nasal cavity,
maxillary sinus, orbit, and ethmoid cells was consistently observed in all five patients (100%). Our
series demonstrated a mortality rate of 60%. Conclusion: Progressive and rapid involvement of the
cavernous sinus, vascular structures and intracranial contents is the usual evolution of rhinocerebral
mucormycosis. In the context of immunosupression, a pattern of nasal cavity, maxillary sinus, ethmoid
cells, and orbit inflammatory lesions should prompt the diagnosis of mucormycosis. Multiplanar
magnetic resonance imaging shows anatomic involvement, helping in surgery planning. However, the
prognosis is grave despite radical surgery and antifungals.