Primary cutaneous mucormycosis. Report of a case in a heart transplanted patient and literature review

Objective. Report the clinical features and laboratory findings in primary cutaneous mucormycosis. Material and methods. We report one case of primary cutaneous mucormycosis in a heart transplant recipient and reviewed the literature between 1989 and 1999. Results. In addition to our case, 71 other cases of mucormycosis were reported in the literature. In 65% of the cases, necrosis was the predominant sign. A skin wound was found in 70% of the cases. Traffic accidents and burns were the two main causes of wounds. Among the patients, 67% were immunocompromised. Diabetes and hematology disorders were the two main etiologies of immunosuppression. In more than half the cases, surgical and medical treatment was proposed. Cure was achieved in 68.6% of the cases. Conclusion. Mucormycosis should be entertained as a possible diagnosis even in immunocompetent patients presenting necrotic skin lesions after surgery.