Mucormycosis: what emergency physicians need to know?

Abstract Background Mucormycosis is a rare presentation for patients in the emergency department (ED), primarily affecting immunocompromised patients. Multiple forms of infection are present, and with poor prognosis, ED diagnosis and treatment of this deadly condition are necessary. Objective of rev...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal of emergency medicine 2015-12, Vol.33 (12), p.1823-1825
Main Authors: Long, Brit, MD, Koyfman, Alex, MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antifungal Agents - therapeutic use
Debridement
Diabetes Complications - diagnosis
Diabetes Complications - therapy
Emergency
Emergency Service, Hospital
Humans
Immunocompromised Host
Mucormycosis - diagnosis
Mucormycosis - therapy
Prognosis
Risk Factors
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Summary:Abstract Background Mucormycosis is a rare presentation for patients in the emergency department (ED), primarily affecting immunocompromised patients. Multiple forms of infection are present, and with poor prognosis, ED diagnosis and treatment of this deadly condition are necessary. Objective of review The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the presentations and forms of mucormycosis, diagnosis, and treatment of this deadly disease. Discussion This review provides background on the fungi causing mucormycosis, which are prevalent in nature. The article discusses the risk factors for infection with mucormycosis, as normal hosts are able to clear the disease, but immunocompromised and diabetic patients are at risk for organism inoculation and spread. The fungi are angioinvasive and cause necrosis. This article describes the various forms of the disease: rhino-orbital-cerebral, pulmonary, central nervous system, gastrointestinal, renal, disseminated, and cutaneous. Finally, this review evaluates diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Conclusion Emergency department diagnosis and treatment are necessary in patients with infection with mucormycosis. Physicians should be suspicious of this disease in immunocompromised and diabetic patients. Treatment requires antifungal agents such as amphotericin B and surgical debridement. Prognosis is poor.
ISSN:0735-6757
1532-8171
DOI:10.1016/j.ajem.2015.08.037