Rinossinusite fúngica invasiva por mucormicose associada ao uso abusivo de corticosteróides: relato de caso

Resumo

INTRODUCTION

Mucormycosis is a rare invasive disease caused by fungi of the order Mucorales, with the genus Rhizopus spp being the most common [1]. It is predominantly found in immunosuppressed patients, such as those with diabetes mellitus [2]. The infection has two main forms: the rhino-orbito-cerebral form, which is more prevalent and leads to ocular inflammation, facial pain and even brain involvement; and the pulmonary form, which is less common [2]. It is noted that hyperglycemia provides an environment for the proliferation of fungi, while compromising the immune system, making the patient more susceptible to infection [3]. Finally, it can be mentioned that the abuse of corticosteroids aggravates this scenario by causing both immunosuppression and increased blood glucose levels.

OBJECTIVES  

Primary: To evaluate the negative effect of the abusive use of corticosteroids on the worsening of the clinical picture of mucormycosis.

Secondary: To report a case of an uncommon infection by a species of fungus in an immunosuppressed patient.