Secondary Cutaneous Mucormycosis - Retrospective Analysis From Tertiary Care Hospitall

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2023 Mar 28;75(3):1-7. doi: 10.1007/s12070-023-03707-3. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Background: Covid-19 infection increases the risk of opportunistic infections like mucormycosis. Cutaneous mucormycosis can occur primarily by direct inoculation or secondary to involvement of the underlying structures. Cutaneous manifestations include tender, erythematous, indurated lesions and necrotic plaques. As the disease evolves, cutaneous features manifest progressively. Objectives: To study the manifestations of the cutaneous signs of sinonasal mucormycosis and management of such cases based on severity of involvement. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of 21 patients with diagnosis of cutaneous mucormycosis secondary to sinonasal involvement was done with assessment of their skin lesion, area involved and their clinical stage being noted at the time of admission and after 24 h. Treatment consisted of combination of surgical debridement, daily dressing and liposomal amphotericin B. Observations and Results: Out of total 21 patients, there were 10 males and 11 females. Among risk factors, 14 cases had history of covid 19 infection, 5 had history of steroid intake, 6 had history of ICU stay and all had deranged blood sugar levels. Among disease prognosis, excellent outcomes appeared in stage I and stage III showed worst outcome. Conclusion: Since initial clinical presentation is similar to cellulitis and other soft-tissue infections, early recognition is difficult. In this cohort, the prognosis of secondary cutaneous mucormycosis remained poor, especially in ICU patients and those with numerous predisposing factors. Such patients presented in late stages of the disease and mortality rate was very high in such group.

Keywords: Cutaneous; Eschar; Mucormycosis.