Fatal Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis Complicated with Thrombosis and Rupture of Mycotic Aneurysm in Distal Internal Carotid Artery

Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic infection caused by fungi of the order Mucorales that typically occurs in patients with diabetes or immunocompromised state. Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis is the most common type, often has a life-threatening outcome. Mucormycosis has specific vascular tropism complicating mucorthrombosis or mycotic aneurysm. We report a diabetic patient presenting with ophthalmoplegia, orbital necrosis, and contralateral hemiparesis, who suddenly progressed to coma and died of subarachnoid hemorrhage due to the rupture of mycotic aneurysm in distal internal carotid artery. J Korean Neurol Assoc 33(3):191-195, 2015