Background: Rhinofacial conidiobolomycosis (RFC) is an uncommon subcutaneous fungal infection producing painless swelling with grotesque deformity of the face. Although there are case reports and small case series; there are very few prospective studies evaluating treatment outcome and long-term follow-up.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combination of itraconazole (200 mg twice daily) and saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI) in patients with RFC.

Methods: Ten patients of RFC were studied over a period of 5 years. Diagnosis was confirmed by clinical, histopathological, and microbiological evaluation. Conidiobolus was cultured in four cases and in the rest of the cases, the histopathology was suggestive of RFC. They were treated with itraconazole (200 mg twice daily) and SSKI and followed up for a minimum of 1 year after stopping treatment.

Results: The mean age was 38.7 years and the mean duration of symptoms was 22.4 months. Males were predominantly involved (9:1). Seven patients responded to the combination treatment, five had complete resolution and two had good improvement (50–75%); however, in two patients the response was minimal (<25% regression of the swelling) and one patient did not show any improvement after 6 months of treatment.

Conclusion: Combination of itraconazole and SSKI is an effective treatment modality for RFC with relatively faster onset of action, low relapse rates, and minimal adverse effects. It can be considered as first-line treatment in patients with RFC.

Manish Gupta is presently working as Medical Superintendent at Dr. B R Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali, Punjab, and also as Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery. He did his M.B.B.S. from the University College of Medical Sciences & Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, Delhi University and M.S. (E.N.T.) from Safdarjang Hospital, Delhi University in April 2002. After completing his Senior Residency at Safdarjang Hospital, he started working as a faculty member in the Department of ENT, GSMCH, Patiala and MMIMSR, Ambala. He worked as a Specialist in UAE and was awarded FIMSA (Fellow of International Medical Science Academy) in 2015. In 26 years of ENT practice, he has done various routine ENT surgeries with keen interest and has expertise in Endoscopic and open Nasal, Anterior Skull base surgery and head-neck tumors. Has been an Examiner for MBBS & MS exams in various Universities. He has 119 publications to his credit in International and national journals of repute. He has presented various Research papers, given invited talks at conferences, was Resource Faculty in multiple workshops and has been awarded the “Best Paper Award” thrice. He is a Life member of various National and international professional bodies like IMA, AOI, AIRS, ISO, FHNO, IMSA and APSTS. He is a Member of the Editorial Board and reviewer of 21 Journals, and Editor-in-Chief of 2. He has published DVD, “ENT – made simple”, useful for undergraduates and postgraduates, in practical exams. Has a chapter in the book “Essentials of Rhinology”. Has uploaded 74 surgical videos on YouTube for budding ENT surgeons around the world to see and learn the fine surgical steps. He organized multiple CMEs on Thyroid Update, Temporal bone dissection workshop, Hands-on FESS workshop, ENT- Head Neck Radiology, HAOICON 2018, PAOICON 2025 and CME on Cochlear Implants.