Cutaneous zygomycosis: A possible postoperative complication in immunocompetent individuals

Ragini Tilak, Prabhat Raina, SanjeevKumar Gupta, Vijai Tilak, Pradyot Prakash, AnilKumar Gulati
2009 Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology  
and metronidazole iv, thrice daily. Subsequently, she developed necrosis of the surrounding abdominal wall, which did not improve despite debridement. She was having high-grade fever and the wound continued to progress peripherally. She was then referred to At the time of presentation, she was ill and was complaining of pain. Her temperature was 39°C, heart rate was 108 beats / minute, respiratory rate was 22 breaths / minute, and blood pressure was 160 / 80 mm of Hg. An abdominal examination
more » ... vealed a large area of about 15 cm × 12 cm of skin and subcutaneous tissue loss in the lower abdomen with pale granulation tissue at the base. Edges were erythematous, firm, indurated, and rolled inwards. There was no history of diabetes, malignancy, or any other evidence of an immunocompromised status. Her total leucocyte count was 18,000 / mm 3 with 87% neutrophils. Other blood parameters were within normal limits. A diagnosis of postoperative synergistic gangrene of the anterior abdominal wall was made. Aerobic and anerobic cultures for bacterial infection How to cite this article: Tilak R, Raina P, Gupta SK, Tilak V, Prakash P, Gulati AK. Cutaneous zygomycosis: A possible postoperative complication in immunocompetent individuals. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2009;75:596-9. ABSTRACT Fungi in the class of zygomycetes usually produce serious infections in diabetics and immunocompromised hosts. Cutaneous zygomycosis is a less common form, with an unpredictable extent of anatomical involvement and clinical course. Here, we report two cases of primary cutaneous zygomycosis as postoperative complications in otherwise healthy females. Zygomycosis was suspected and specimens from the surgical debridement were examined by microbiological and histopathological studies for conÞ rming the clinical diagnosis. Rapid diagnosis, liposomal amphotericin B, and proper debridement of affected tissue are necessary to avoid a fatal outcome.
doi:10.4103/0378-6323.57722 pmid:19915241 fatcat:kppn5iowv5d4xdzskfkuoaszqa