RHINO-ORBITO-CEREBRAL MUCORMYCOSIS WITH FULMINANT OPHTHALMOLOGIC INVOLVEMENT IN AN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PATIENT: A FATAL CASE REPORT

Introduction: Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is a rare but aggressive invasive fungal infection affecting immunocompromised patients, with high mortality rates [1,2]. Case presentation: A 65-year-old male on long-term corticosteroid therapy for chronic kidney disease presented with acute orbital pain, facial swelling, and rapid visual loss. Clinical examination revealed total ophthalmoplegia, axial exophthalmos, and fixed mydriasis. Imaging demonstrated orbital cellulitis with optic nerve involvement and extensive sinus disease with intracranial extension. The patient received intravenous amphotericin B and underwent extensive endoscopic surgical debridement. Despite aggressive management, he developed multiple cerebral thrombotic events and died.