Mucormycosis: This virulent fungal disease of the orbit, extends from sinus or nasal cavity and causes thrombosis due to invasion of blood vessels, proptosis, and often orbital apex syndrome (internal and external ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, decreased vision and decrease corneal sensation). This slide shows the fungal invasion of a blood vessel causing an obliterative thrombosis. Patients are often in a predisposing immunodeficient state due to diabetes, metabolic acidosis, chronic steroid use, AIDS, or recent chemotherapy. Treatment consists of aggressive debridement of the sinuses and orbit if an abscess is identified. Systemic antifungals as well as correction of predisposing factors are attempted. However, the disease is often fatal in compromised patients. Back to Orbit