Fatal Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis Mimicking Giant Cell Arteritis (Horton's Disease) In a Diabetic Patient

Abstract

C. Damak, F. Frikha, D. Chebbi, M. Snoussi, R. Ben Salah, S. Marzouk, Z. Bahloul

Introduction

Mucormycosis is an infection with vascular inotropism causing thrombosis. A secondary vasculitis is rare. We report a case of giant cell vasculitis due to a mucormycosis infection. Case It was a 56-year-old man with type 2 diabetes presenting brutal blindness after dental extraction surgery. The initial diagnosis was Horton's disease. The biopsy of the temporal artery revealed a giant cell vasculitis. The patient was treated with corticosteroid therapy. His state was worsening with occurring of bilateral blindness and cutaneous necroses. A mucormycosis was suspected. A cutaneous biopsy of a necrotic zone with a parasitologic analysis confirmed it. Treatment with amphotericin B was initiated, but it did not prevent mortality.

Conclusion: Mucormycosis is a rare infection. The diagnosis is often late. The prognosis remains severe.

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