Extensive post-covid mucormycosis salvaged by old fashioned negative pressure wound therapy

Authors

  • R. Sanjay Department of General Surgery, Sawai Mansingh Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
  • Farukh Khan Department of General Surgery, Sawai Mansingh Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
  • Shalu Gupta Department of General Surgery, Sawai Mansingh Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
  • Rahul Chikkarangappa Department of General Surgery, Sawai Mansingh Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
  • Komal Choudhary Department of General Surgery, Sawai Mansingh Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20213636

Keywords:

Post-covid mucormycosis, Negative pressure wound therapy, Anterior chest wall mucormycosis

Abstract

Mucormycosis represents a group of life threatenening infections caused by fungi of the order Mucorales. Mucorales are ubiquitous environmental fungi that grow well in moist and damp conditions. They can invade arteries to cause thrombosis and infarction. These fungi cause infection primarily in patients with diabetes, neutropenia, elevated levels of free iron and those who are on glucocorticoid therapy, which supports fungal growth in serum and tissues. Recently the incidence of mucormycosis was found to have increased in patients previously infected with coronavirus (COVID-19). Here we presented a 52 year old lady who was previously infected by coronavirus, was administered glucocorticoids as a part of empirical treatment for COVID-19 pnemonitis. She recovered uneventfully within a few days, but, around a month later presented with erythematous papule over the anterior chest wall. The papule developed into a large fungating ulcer over a period of 10 days. KOH mount and culture confirmed it to be mucormycosis. Cutaneous mucormycosis can be highly invasive, penetrating into muscle, fascia and even bone. These are molds that grow well in moist and damp conditions. But depriving them of moisture and oxygen can help control their spread. This could be achieved by thorough debridement and applying negative pressure to the wound. The results achieved are remarkable and satisfactory.

Author Biography

R. Sanjay, Department of General Surgery, Sawai Mansingh Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

JUNIOR RESIDENT

DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SURGERY

SAWAI MANSINGH MEDICAL COLLEGE 

JAIPUR

RAJASTHAN

References

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Published

2021-08-27

Issue

Section

Case Reports