Cutaneous mucormycosis in a patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia

We describe a patient with invasive necrotizing cutaneous mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus oryzae. The patient, who had been suffering from acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) for eight months, had erythema and necrosis surrounded by swelling on the dorsum of his left hand. Debridement was performed, and microscopic examination of the obtained specimens revealed mucormycosis. Because amphotericin B was ineffective, amputation at the left shoulder joint was performed. Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) was successfully carried out 22 days after surgery. However, the patient died 162 days after the BMT due to progression of the ALL. Patients such as the present one should be evaluated promptly by tissue biopsy and appropriate cultures, so that vigorous treatment can be started without delay. Where necessary, amputation should be performed.