A case of mistaken identity: Saksenaea vasiformis of the orbit

Orbit. 2021 Dec;40(6):521-524. doi: 10.1080/01676830.2020.1814354. Epub 2020 Aug 30.

Abstract

The authors describe a rare presentation of invasive fungal rhino-orbital cellulitis caused by Saksenaea vasiformis in an immunocompetent child. The patient was initially diagnosed and treated as Mucoraceae, which has a high mortality rate and is primarily seen in immunocompromised patients. Though of the same order, Mucorales, the families Mucoraceae and Saksenaeacae, may be difficult to differentiate on histologic examination and must be distinguished by fungal culture and speciation. Our patient responded well to sino-orbital debridement and systemic treatment with amphotericin and posaconazole.

Keywords: Invasive fungal sinusitis; Saksenaea; Saksenaeacae; liposomal amphotericin B; mucorales; mucormycosis; orbital cellulitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Mucorales*
  • Mucormycosis* / diagnosis
  • Mucormycosis* / drug therapy
  • Orbit / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Amphotericin B

Supplementary concepts

  • Saksenaea vasiformis