Lower-extremity zygomycosis in a patient with traumatic injuries. A case report

Invasive fungal infection in immunocompetent trauma patients - A case series

Zygomycosis is the third leading cause of invasive fungal infection after candidiasis and aspergillosis. Although zygomycosis mostly affects immunocompromised individuals trauma may potentiate infection in immunocompetent individuals. The mortality rate of Zygomycosis is around 50% due to angioinvasion. Here we report a series of 5 cases of angio invasive fungal infection in immunocompetent individuals who sustained trauma in urban areas, out of which only one patient survived following high above knee amputation.

A surgical approach in the management of mucormycosis in a trauma patient

Mucormycosis as a consequence of trauma is a devastating complication; these infections are challenging to control, with a fatality rate approaching 96% in immunocompromised patients. We present a case where a proactive approach was successfully employed to treat mucormycosis following complex polytrauma. Aggressive repeated surgical debridement, in combination with appropriate antifungal therapy, proved successful in this instance. In our opinion, mucormycosis in trauma mandates an aggressive surgical approach. This prevents ascending dissemination of mucormycosis and certainly reduces the risk of patient mortality as a direct result. Anti-fungal therapy should be used secondarily as an adjunct together with surgical debridement, or as an alternative when surgical intervention is not feasible.

Cutaneous mucormycosis secondary to penetrative trauma

INTRODUCTION

Mucormycosis is a rare but serious sequelae of penetrating trauma [1-5]. In spite of aggressive management, mortality remains high due to dissemination of infection. We completed a review of literature to determine the most optimal treatment of cutaneous mucormycosis which occurs secondary to penetrating trauma.

METHODS

We completed a review regarding the management of mucormycosis in trauma patients. We selected a total of 36 reports, of which 18 were case-based, for review.

RESULTS

Surgical debridement is a primary predictor of improved outcomes in the treatment of mucormycosis [3,6,7]. Anti-fungal therapy, especially lipid soluble formulation of Amphotericin B, is helpful as an adjunct or when surgical debridement has been maximally achieved. Further research is needed to fully evaluate the impact of topical dressings; negative pressure wound therapy is helpful.

CONCLUSION

An aggressive and early surgical approach, even at the expense of disfigurement, is necessary to reduce mortality in the setting of cutaneous mucormycosis that results from penetrating trauma [4,8,9]. Anti-fungal therapy and negative pressure wound therapy are formidable adjuncts.

Severe mycosis as a rare infection after a corn auger injury of the hand: a case report

Mucormycosis is a rare but serious infection that can be seen in immunocompetent individuals who experience traumatic injury. The authors report a case in a 28 year-old man who sustained a mangling hand injury in a corn augur accident. After initial aggressive debridement ongoing tissue necrosis was seen, and in subsequent biopsies invasive mucormycosis was diagnosed. The patient was successfully managed with immediate surgical debridement and antifungal medication and showed no sign of infection at six-month follow-up.

Invasive mucormycosis and aspergillosis in a healthy 22-year-old battle casualty: case report

BACKGROUND

Invasive mucormycosis or aspergillosis is a life-threatening infection. The disease typically occurs in immunocompromised patients (e.g., those with diabetes mellitus or burns) but is rarely serious in otherwise-healthy young trauma patients.

METHODS

Case report and literature review.

RESULTS

A previously-healthy 22-year-old United States Marine who sustained large soft tissue injuries in support of Operation Enduring Freedom underwent multiple operations in theater to stabilize his wounds. He was evacuated first to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and thence to the National Naval Medical Center in Maryland, where appropriate antifungal therapies were initiated and wide débridements were undertaken without success. His clinical status deteriorated, and he died. Tissue examination revealed systemic invasive mucormycosis and aspergillosis.

CONCLUSION

The suspicion of invasive fungal infections must be tested early if intervention is to be curative.