ENT mucormycosis. Report of 4 cases.

OBJECTIVES: Mucormycosis is an opportunist infection usually affecting immunocompromised patients. It is rare and often fatal. The pathogen is filamentous fungus of the mucorales order. Studies discuss the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of ENT mucormycosis, insisting on early clinical diagnosis, laboratory data not being contributive within satisfactory time limits.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study included 4 patients with ENT mucormycosis diagnosed over a 13-year period, from January 2000 to December 2012.

RESULTS: The study included 2 male and 2 female patients, aged from 3 to 77 years. Two patients were diabetic. There were 2 cases of sinonasal mucormycosis and 2 of otologic involvement. Diagnosis was founded on anatomopathologic and mycologic examination. A fatal issue occurred in 1 case with otocerebral involvement.

CONCLUSIONS: Otorhinolaryngologic mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection, which needs to be borne in mind. Rhinocerebral lesions are the most common clinical manifestations. Involvement of the ear is very rare. Diagnosis is often difficult, but should be as early as possible. Treatment, initiated urgently, associates antifungal treatment, surgical resection and control of risk factors. The prognosis remains in all cases severe.