Mucormycosis with cutaneous involvement. A retrospective study of 115 cases at a tertiary care hospital in Mexico
Alexandro Bonifáz, Andrés Tirado‐Sánchez, María Luisa Hernández-Medel, Juan J. Kassack, Javier Santibáñez, Gloria M. González
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Cutaneous mucormycosis is an emerging opportunistic mycosis caused by Mucorales. It can be divided into primary caused by trauma and secondary by extension of rhino-cerebral and disseminated cases. The objective is to present a retrospective study of cases of mucormycosis with cutaneous involvement. METHODS: A retrospective and descriptive study was carried out. Mucormycosis patients were included and divided into two groups: a) Primary Cutaneous and b) Secondary Cutaneous. Mycological tests were performed; the agents were identified by morphology and molecular studies (PCR and sequencing); some cases underwent histopathology. Clinical data and response to treatment were collected. RESULTS: 115 cases were included, 18 of primary, and 97 of secondary cutaneous mucormycosis. Primary cutaneous mucormycosis was most associated with adhesive bands (44.4%) and trauma from traffic accidents (33.3%). The principal clinical form was extensive and deep necrotic ulcers. Secondary cutaneous mucormycosis cases were rhino-cerebral with uncontrolled diabetes (81.4%) The most frequent clinical presentation was necrosis of the eyelid and the nose (65.9%). In both groups, the principal agent was Rhizopus arrhizus, 38.8% and 74.2% respectively. The most effective treatment was the combination of amphotericin B with surgical debridement. The clinical and mycological cure was achieved in 31.0% of primary cases, and 44.4% for secondary cases. CONCLUSION: Primary cutaneous mucormycosis is caused by implantation of the Mucorales due to trauma or rupture of the cutaneous barrier-breach, and secondary cutaneous mucormycosis develops as part of the rhino-cerebral process. The response to treatment depends on the extension and depth, as well as the predisposing factors.