A diabetic patient with periorbital oedema, black eschar over the hard palate, and proptosis following a sinus infection requires emergency surgical debridement. Frozen section shows broad, non-septate hyphae with right-angle branching. The drug of choice is:
- A Voriconazole
- B Amphotericin B (liposomal) ✓
- C Fluconazole
- D Itraconazole
Correct answer: B. Amphotericin B (liposomal)
Explanation
Broad, non-septate hyphae with right-angle branching are diagnostic of Mucormycosis (Mucorales). Liposomal amphotericin B is the drug of choice because Mucorales are intrinsically resistant to voriconazole, fluconazole, and itraconazole. Treatment requires early aggressive surgical debridement of all necrotic tissue plus liposomal amphotericin B; correction of the underlying metabolic derangement (diabetic ketoacidosis) is equally essential.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.