Cutaneous Mucormycosis by Saksenaea vasiformis: An Unusual Case Report and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Saksenaea vasiformis is one of the numerous fungi of the Order Mucorales. Rapid progression and invasion of neighboring tissues are the most characteristic features of S. vasiformis mucormycosis.

AIM: The objective of this review is the management of this type of infections.

METHODS: Case report and literature review.

RESULTS: A 62-year old woman, without a history of immunocompromisation, developed a localized cutaneous infection at her right thigh. No trauma, skin laceration or insect bite was reported at the side of infection. The initial treatment was surgical debridements and intravenous administration of amphotericin B/posaconazole. In order to avoid the further rapid progression of the infection and save her life, it was decided to proceed to amputation of the patient's right leg. This is the first case of S. vasiformis cutaneous infection in an immunocompetent patient, in Greece.

CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of S. vasiformis mucormycosis is of paramount importance. Clinical suspicion, based on the rapid progression of the infection and on the medical history of the patient, is sufficient to start antifungal treatment. Broad, aggressive, and repeated surgical debridement of the infection site together with systemic antifungal agents administration is the key point for successful treatment.