Abstract
Cutaneous mucormycosis is the third most common clinical type of mucormycosis. The signs and symptoms vary widely, and it is important to make the diagnosis as early as possible in order to achieve a better outcome. We present a systematic review of its epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment, analyzing cases published from 1958 until 2021. The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and included 693 cases from 485 articles from 46 countries. Most publications were from North America (256 cases, 36.9%) and Asia (216 cases, 31.2%). The most common risk factors were diabetes mellitus (20%) and hematological malignancies (15.7%). However, a large proportion of published cases (275, 39.6%) had no identified underlying disease. The most common mode of transmission was trauma (54%), and 108 (15.6%) cases were healthcare-associated. In this review, 291 (42.5%) patients had localized infection, and 90 (13%) had disseminated mucormycosis. In Europe, N. America and S. America, the most common genus was Rhizopus spp., while in Asia it was Apophysomyces spp. (34.7%). Treatment was performed with antifungals, mainly amphotericin B, and/or surgery. Mortality was significantly lower when both antifungals and surgery were applied (29.6%).
Highlights
Mucormycosis is an emerging fungal infection, caused by fungi of the order Mucorales.Diabetes mellitus is the most common underlying disease globally [1,2]
We performed a systematic review of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of cutaneous mucormycosis, analyzing case reports and case series published from 1958 until 2021
We present here an update of its epidemiology, clinical features, predisposing risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment
Summary
Mucormycosis is an emerging fungal infection, caused by fungi of the order Mucorales.Diabetes mellitus is the most common underlying disease globally [1,2]. An increased incidence has been reported in Western Europe and the USA, as new immunomodulating agents are used in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases, and as more transplantations are performed [5]. A large proportion of patients with cutaneous mucormycosis have no underlying disease, and their infection is a result of trauma. The signs and symptoms vary widely, and it is important to make the diagnosis as early as possible in order to achieve a better outcome. For this reason, we performed a systematic review of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of cutaneous mucormycosis, analyzing case reports and case series published from 1958 until 2021
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
