A Case of Invasive Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis After Acupuncture Therapy for Bell’s Palsy
10.3342/kjorl-hns.2024.00122
- Author:
Younghac KIM
1
;
Han-Sin JEONG
;
Young Sang CHO
;
Nayeon CHOI
Author Information
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
2025;68(1):36-39
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is a rare fungal infection that may be fatal in immunocompromised patients. Acupuncture is commonly used in Eastern Asia in addition to steroid medication for the treatment of Bell’s palsy. For such patients with comorbid medical conditions, potential risks might arise after the acupuncture procedure; however, ROCM following acupuncture therapy has not been reported to date. Here we present a rare case of invasive mucormycosis that began from the facial skin after acupuncture procedure. In this case, the patient was suspected of ROCM infection and emergently treated with surgical debridement and antifungal therapy. Despite early surgical debridement and medical treatment, the patient died due to brain infarction and invasion of mucormycosis into the internal carotid artery and cavernous sinus. Although acupuncture therapy is considered relatively safe in general, care should be taken when performing acupuncture in patients with underlying diseases that cause immunosuppression.
