Pediatric cutaneous mucormicosis

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Pediatric Oncology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Mucormycosis is a rare, opportunistic fungal infection.
• It primarily affects immunocompromised individuals, especially those with hematological diseases.
• Pediatric cases are infrequent but associated with significant morbidity.

Observation:

• A 9-year-old boy with acute myeloblastic leukemia presented with febrile neutropenia.
• He developed multiple violaceous skin lesions with central necrosis on his extremities and chest.
• Histopathology revealed cutaneous infarction with characteristic broad, right-angled branching hyphae.

Findings:

• Rhizopus oryzae was isolated from lesion cultures.
• Diagnosis was confirmed via biopsy and fungal culture.
• The patient received surgical debridement and intravenous amphotericin B, followed by oral posaconazole.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of early recognition of mucormycosis in pediatric leukemia patients.
• Combined surgical and antifungal therapy offers the best prognosis.
• Prompt diagnosis through direct smear/histology and culture is crucial for effective management.