A Case Report of Mucormycosis of Faciotemporal Region Mimicking as Bacterial Necrotizing Fasciitis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Mucormycosis is an invasive and unyielding fungal disease of immunocompromised patients with a reported increase in incidence over last couple of decades. The close resemblance of clinical features of mucormycosis with that of bacterial necrotizing fasciitis can lead to misdiagnosis and thus delay in appropriate management. The case presented here involves a similar scenario when a middle-aged patient with multiple systemic problems reported to the tertiary care hospital 7 days after facial trauma from a road traffic accident. There was a purple black ulcerating lesion over left midface that was misdiagnosed and treated as a case of bacterial necrotizing fasciitis. Despite extensive debridement under general anesthesia and administration of parentral antibiotics, the patient failed to survive. The results of histopathological examination of the debrided tissue, that became available after the death of the patient showed, growth of broad aseptate hyphae characteristic of mucorales. Late presentation, multiple systemic diseases and missed diagnosis of the condition were the main factors that resulted in the death of the patient within 72 hours of presentation. Underlying immunocompromised states and late diagnosis of this condition remain the key issues that need to be addressed in developing countries. A high degree of clinical suspicion and aggressive diagnostic measures combined with prompt medical and surgical treatment are essential to improve the outcome. How to cite this article Jeelani W, Kamal Y. A Case Report of Mucormycosis of Faciotemporal Region Mimicking as Bacterial Necrotizing Fasciitis. World J Dent 2012;3(4):355-358.