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RACS ASC 2024

A rare case of cutaneous Mucormycosis infection in an immunocompetent patient

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Presentation Description

Institution: Royal Hobart Hospital - Tasmania, Australia

Introduction: Cutaneous fungal infection with Mucorales such as Rhizopus microsporus occur rarely in immunocompetent patients. We present a case of a fungal necrotising soft tissue infection and discuss its management (1, 2). Case: We present the case of a 60-year-old lady, previously fit and well, admitted to the ICU with multiorgan dysfunction syndrome secondary to bacterial sepsis from S. aureus, requiring vasopressor support. During admission, a tender necrotic wound evolved rapidly at the site of a previous intravenous cannula. This was debrided in the operating theatre, revealing full thickness necrosis of the skin and subcutis, with necrosis of the extensor paratenon but sparing the underlying extensor tendons. Histopathology and fungal culture revealed Rhizopus microsporus necrotising soft tissue infection. Conclusion: Rhizopus microsporus is a very rare cause of necrotising soft tissue infection. The fungus is typically introduced into the skin from an innocuous wound or iatrogenic procedure such as intravenous cannulation, and occurs predominantly in immunocompromised hosts. Infections with Rhizopus microsporus and other Mucorales fungi are managed with early aggressive surgical debridement and antifungal medications (1, 2). References: 1. Wang Y, Zhu M, Bao Y, et al. Cutaneous mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus microsporus in an immunocompetent patient: A case report and review of literature. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018; 97 (25): e11141. 2. Verma R, Nair V, Vasudevan B, et al. Rare case of primary cutaneous mucormycosis of the hand caused by Rhizopus microsporus in an immunocompetent patient. Int J Dermatol. 2014 Jan; 53 (1): 66-9.

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Authors

Dr. Thomas Whitton - , Mr. Nanda Kandamany -