Cutaneous mucormycosis: Unveiling rare manifestations

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Mucormycosis is a rare, life-threatening fungal infection caused by Mucorales.
• It disproportionately affects immunocompromised individuals, leading to high morbidity and mortality.
• Cutaneous mucormycosis, a less common form, presents diverse clinical challenges.

Observation:

• This case series details six unique presentations of cutaneous mucormycosis in adults aged 25-60.
• Manifestations included scalp necrotizing fasciitis, buttock lesions, fungal keratitis with periorbital involvement, abdominal wall lesions, mandibular osteomyelitis with skin blackening, and cerebral vasculitis with scalp lesions.
• Common symptoms were fever, pain, and swelling, with laboratory findings showing elevated WBC, positive fungal cultures, and histopathology confirmation.

Findings:

• All six patients received surgical debridement, amphotericin B antifungal therapy, and supportive care.
• Favorable outcomes were observed, with one complete recovery, four improvements, and one stabilization.
• No mortality was reported in this series, underscoring the effectiveness of timely intervention.

Implications:

• Cutaneous mucormycosis exhibits varied clinical manifestations, necessitating a high index of suspicion.
• Early recognition and prompt, aggressive treatment are critical for preventing severe outcomes and mortality.
• This study emphasizes the importance of considering mucormycosis in immunocompromised patients with unusual skin lesions.