Orbital apex syndrome secondary to mucormycosis after a tooth extraction in an immunocompetent patient
Varghese, A.; Thomas, S.
Ear Nose and Throat Journal 89(4): E24-E26
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 1942-7522 PMID: 20397133 Document Number: 640388
Mucormycosis is rare in immunocompetent patients. We describe an unusual case of orbital apex syndrome secondary to mucormycosis that occurred in an immunocompetent 64-year-old man following multiple tooth extractions. We found no frank involvement of the maxillary sinus, which is the usual pathway of spread for this fungal infection. Therefore, we suggest two possible alternate pathways from the oral mucosa to the orbital apex: one via the anterosuperior and posterosuperior alveolar vessels and one via the infraorbital branch of the maxillary artery.