Fatal orbitomaxillary mucormycosis presenting with facial numbness in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case report

Mucormycosis is a potentially life-threatening invasive fungal infection typically occurring in immunocompromised patients. The common route of entry of microorganisms is by inhalation of spores, and the fungi exhibit a strong affinity for angioinvasion. Rhino-orbito-cerebral disease is the most typical manifestation of the infection. The incidence of mucormycosis following dental extraction remains relatively rare. We report a rare case of orbito-maxillary mucormycosis following a tooth extraction in a young female with diabetes who presented with acute facial numbness and swelling. Facial numbness was an uncommon but crucial early sign that helped point towards the diagnosis. Despite early administration of liposomal amphotericin B and surgical debridement, the patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to death.
A high degree of suspicion and awareness about uncommon clinical signs, prompting early intervention, increases the likelihood of a favourable outcome in mucormycosis.