Cutaneous mucormycosis in a leukemic patient

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Dermatology
• Hematology

Background:

• Mucormycosis is a rare, aggressive fungal infection primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals.
• Cutaneous mucormycosis necessitates prompt diagnosis and intervention for effective management.
• Acute leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy are particularly susceptible to opportunistic infections.

Observation:

• A 23-year-old acute leucocytic leukemia patient developed primary cutaneous mucormycosis.
• The infection manifested on the volar forearm at an intravenous cannulation site during chemotherapy.
• This presentation occurred during the induction phase of leukemia treatment.

Findings:

• Successful management involved aggressive surgical debridement of the infected tissue.
• Systemic antifungal therapy with amphotericin-B was administered.
• Comprehensive wound care and definitive reconstruction with a skin graft led to successful recovery.

Implications:

• Early recognition and multidisciplinary treatment are crucial for managing cutaneous mucormycosis in immunocompromised hosts.
• This case underscores the importance of vigilance for unusual infections at i.v. sites in leukemia patients.
• Aggressive surgical and medical interventions can lead to favorable outcomes even in severe cases.