A clinical presentation of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis in a patient with aplastic anemia: a case report.

backgroundAplastic anemia is a hematologic disorder characterized by bone marrow failure and profound neutropenia, which increases the risk of opportunistic infections such as mucormycosis, an aggressive fungal disease. This condition requires early diagnosis and integrated treatment strategies to reduce the high mortality rate. We report a rare case of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis in a patient with aplastic anemia. CASE PRESENTATION: A 16-year-old Middle Eastern (Persian, Iranian) male with a history of aplastic anemia presented with unilateral right-sided facial swelling. He was initially diagnosed with a bacterial soft tissue abscess and treated with antibiotics. Owing to a lack of response, further imaging and histopathological studies were performed, which revealed invasive mucormycosis. The patient received antifungal therapy, but surgical debridement was not performed because of severe thrombocytopenia. His condition deteriorated, and he was admitted to the intensive care unit. Despite resuscitation efforts, the patient died on day 17 of hospitalization.

conclusionThis case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in managing mucormycosis in patients with hematological disorders. A key factor contributing to the unfavorable outcome was the prolonged interval between symptom onset and rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis diagnosis. Physicians should consider invasive fungal infections in all immunocompromised patients, particularly those with aplastic anemia, when they present with facial soft tissue infections.