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 an d 1999. Results. In addition to our case, 71 other cases of mucormycosis were repor ted in the literature. In 65% of the cases, necrosis was the predominant si gn. 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 immunocom promised. Diabetes and hematology disorders were the two main etiologies of immunosuppression. In more than half the cases, surgical and medical treat ment 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 .