Cutaneous mucormycosis: report of five cases and review of the literature

Mucormycosis is a highly aggressive fungal infection caused by Zygomycetes, from the order of Mucorales. This infection commonly presents an aggressive and rapid course and typically affects immunocompromised patients. Mucormycosis can manifest in different clinical patterns and locations. Although the correct diagnosis is often difficult, an early identification is essential for patient survival. Several clinical forms of mucormycosis are recognised. Cutaneous mucormycosis is less common than other clinical forms, but potentially lethal if treatment is not rapid. Tissue examination by histopathology and culture confirms the fungal infection. Standard treatment includes antifungal therapies associated with surgical debridement. We report five different cases of cutaneous mucormycosis treated in our institution and the management carried out in each case. (C) 2009 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.