DiseaseInjuryNutritionPoison
Special TopicSurgerySymptomsTest
2
4
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Fungus
Fungus
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Mucormycosis

Alternative Names:
Zygomycosis

Treatment:

The mainstay of treatment for mucormycosis is early surgical intervention to remove all dead and infected tissue, along with intravenous antifungal therapy. Surgical removal of involved tissue is critical and may be disfiguring because it may involve removal of the palate, nasal structures, or eye structures.

However, chances of survival are greatly decreased without this aggressive intervention.



Expectations (prognosis):
Mucormycosis has an extremely high mortality even with aggressive surgical intervention. Death rates range from 25-80% depending on the site involved as well as the underlying immune problems.

Complications:
  • Loss of neurological function (nerve involvement)
  • Clotting/blockage of brain or lung vessels (thrombosis)
  • Blindness (if the optic nerve is involved)


Calling your health care provider:
People with immune disorders (including diabetes) should seek medical attention if they develop fever, headache, sinus pain, eye swelling, or any of the other symptoms listed above.

Review Date: 7/19/2002
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com