Etiology • Organisms of Zygomycetes class: Rhizopus, Absidia, Mucor
genera • Noted chiefly in immunosuppressed individuals and in uncon-
trolled diabetics
Clinical Presentation • Large, irregular, necrotizing ulcers • Most often involves the palate with concomitant paranasal
sinus involvement
Radiographic Findings • Maxillary sinus opacification • Irregular sinus wall destruction
genera • Noted chiefly in immunosuppressed individuals and in uncon-
trolled diabetics
Clinical Presentation • Large, irregular, necrotizing ulcers • Most often involves the palate with concomitant paranasal
sinus involvement
Radiographic Findings • Maxillary sinus opacification • Irregular sinus wall destruction
Microscopic Findings • Tissue necrosis with fungal invasion into blood vessels • Nonseptate, branching, broad hyphae
Diagnosis • Radiographic findings • Microscopic findings
Differential Diagnosis • Maxillary sinus neoplasia • Maxillary sinus aspergillosis • Soft tissue infarction • Soft tissue radionecrosis • Other deep fungal infections
Treatment • Surgical débridement • Intravenous antifungal agents (amphotericin B, ketoconazole) • Control of underlying disease process
Prognosis • Good, depending upon underlying systemic factors