Mucormycosis with cutaneous involvement. A retrospective study of 115 cases at a tertiary care hospital in Mexico.

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.