Post-operative Abdominal Wall Mucormycosis-a Case Series
Prabhdeep Singh Nain1, Harish Matta1, Kuldip Singh1
1Department of Surgery, Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab 141001 India.
The Indian Journal of Surgery
|January 6, 2016
Summary
Mucormycosis, a fungal infection, can cause severe abdominal wall necrosis, especially in immunocompromised patients. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, including surgery, are crucial for survival.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Mucormycosis is an acute, invasive fungal infection caused by saprophytic fungi.
- It primarily affects immunocompromised individuals, presenting with necrosis.
- Diagnosis can be challenging, often initially mistaken for necrotizing fasciitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on five cases of post-operative abdominal wall mucormycosis.
- To highlight the clinical presentation and diagnostic challenges.
- To discuss treatment outcomes in affected patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of five patients with abdominal wall mucormycosis.
- Review of clinical presentations, initial diagnoses, and treatment interventions.
- Histopathological examination findings were considered.
Main Results:
- Five cases (3 female, 2 male) of abdominal wall mucormycosis were identified.
- Three cases were post-operative, and two followed trauma with wound infection.
- All cases were initially misdiagnosed as necrotizing fasciitis.
- Two patients survived after intensive medical therapy and debridement.
Conclusions:
- Abdominal wall mucormycosis is a rare but serious complication, particularly in post-operative or post-traumatic settings.
- High index of suspicion is needed for early diagnosis, differentiating it from necrotizing fasciitis.
- Aggressive surgical debridement and medical management are essential for improving patient outcomes.
