Introduction:

Mucormycosis is an infection produced by opportunistic aerobic saprophytic fungi of different genera, belonging to the order of the Mucorales; pathogens that, under immunocompromised conditions such as diabetes and AIDS, produce diseases. There are several forms of clinical presentation: rhinocerebral, pulmonary, mucocutaneous, gastrointestinal and dissemi­nated. The rhinocerebral presentation is frequently fatal, with a morbidity and mortality of 85-100 % despite the use of amphotericin B, hyperbaric therapy, and aggressive surgical resection. Early diagnosis and systemic patient support are essential. The limited availability of contemporary treatments constitutes a barrier for patients in underdeveloped country settings.

Patients and methods:

The objective is to carry out a brief review of the literature about rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis, its incidence and mortality in a tertiary hospital in Mexico.

Results:

In a period of 3 years (July 2018-July 2021), three patients with a diagnosis of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis were treated. All the cases presented a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus with poor control of the disease. Two of three patients died during their hospitalization episode despite multidisciplinary management that included multi-organ support and radical surgical treatment in all cases.

Conclusions:

Mucormycosis continues to present a high mortality in developing countries, despite advances in medical and surgical treatments. The most important prognostic factor continues to be the early detection of the disease and the adequate treatment of associated diseases.

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