A Rare Fungal Orbital Infection in an Immunocompetent Young Male Caused by Lichtheimia corymbifera (Absidia corymbifera)

ABSTRACT

Aim

To present a case of orbital fungal infection caused by a rare fungus, Lichtheimia corymbifera (Absidia corymbifera) in an immunocompetent individual.

Materials and methods

A retrospective case study.

Result

A 23-year-old male presented with painful proptosis of the right eye for 3 months. Examination revealed normal vision and pupillary light reflex but restricted ocular movements in the right eye. A tender, firm mass was palpable along the inferomedial quadrant of the right orbit. He had acute worsening of proptosis with loss of light perception within 24 hours. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a heterogeneously enhancing lesion in the right orbit. Urgent incisional biopsy revealed the growth of Absidial fungal infection. He received intravenous Amphotericin B for 2 weeks with no response. Repeat MRI revealed an extension of the infection up to the cavernous sinus and intracranial optic nerve. He was managed by subtotal exenteration, socket irrigation with Amphotericin B, and intravenous Amphotericin B.

Conclusion

Invasive orbital fungal infection, though rare, should be considered a differential diagnosis in immunocompetent patients with fulminant proptosis and vision loss.

KEYWORDS:

• Fungal orbital cellulitis
• Absidia corymbifera
• Lichtheimia corymbifera

Disclosure of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.