Mucormycosis of the Maxillary Antrum-Diagnostic Dilemma in Chronic Sinusitis

Abstract

Symptoms of chronic maxillary sinusitis should be investigated thoroughly by taking radiographs and biopsy which may reveal rhinomaxillary form of mucormycosis which is a rapidly spreading fungal infection commonly affecting patients with decreased resistance or having uncontrolled diabetes. It begins with inhalation of the fungus by susceptible individuals and rapidly spreads by arterial invasion causing widespread tissue destruction and necrosis. Identification of the mucor hyphae in biopsy specimen is vital in the diagnosis of this condition and institution of antifungal therapy along with surgical debridement can control this fulminant infection from causing death of the individual.