Arterial occlusion and progressive gangrene caused by mucormycosis in a patient with burns

Ischemic necrosis of the upper extremities caused by invasive mucormycosis developed in a patient with soil contamination of severe burn wounds. An arteriogram of the arm showed complete obstruction of blood flow in the forearm. Histologic specimens showed nonseptate branching hyphae obliterating the arterial lumens. Cutaneous mucormycosis affects patients who are immunocompromised, including victims of multiple trauma and burns. This case represents a previously undescribed clinical presentation in a patient with major burns. Because of its lethal nature, mucormycosis in a patient with burns must be treated with aggressive surgical debridement, including amputation, and with parentral amphotericin B at the earliest sign of cutaneous presence.