Cutaneous Mucormycosis Resulting from Hematogenous Dissemination of Rhizomucor pusillus in an Immunocompromised Patient

Abstract

Rhizomucor pusillus is an opportunistic fungus that causes infections (mucormycosis) in patients with a predisposing disease, such as diabetes mellitus and immunodeficiency. Classic manifestations are sinus, pulmonary, and skin infections. Skin lesions consist of tender, erythematous, indurated, and necrotic plaques. The diagnosis is made by identification of the organisms by histopathological analysis of the lesion, showing nonseptate fungal hyphae in the dermis and invasion of the vessel walls, or by means of cultures. Amphotericin B and surgery are the treatments of choice.

Keywords

• mucormycosis
• opportunistic infection
• diabetes mellitus
• immunocompromised patients