Soft tissue infection of the scalp complicated by mucormycosis in an immunocompromised patient: a case report

Abstract

Mucormycosis is a rare but life-threatening angioinvasive fungal infection classically presenting in patients with uncontrolled diabetes and ketoacidosis, which results in rapidly progressive soft tissue infection and necrosis. Mucormycosis is commonly associated with rhino-orbital-cerebral infections; however, primary cutaneous mucormycosis, which involves the skin, also occurs. Diagnosis of the infection implies identifying the organism with histopathology and culture confirmation. Treatment consists of radical surgical debridement and antifungal therapy. The disease prognosis remains poor despite these interventions. This case aims to highlight this rare condition and discuss some aspects of managing mucormycosis and its outcomes. The authors present a case of an adult female with uncontrolled diabetes and advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) admitted to intensive care in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) after surgical debridement of a necrotising scalp infection. Her condition was further complicated by mucormycosis in the wound area. Despite interventions, the necrosis spread rapidly, and care was ultimately withdrawn.