Cutaneous zygomycosis

The prevalence of cutaneous and soft tissue zygomycosis appears to have increased in recent years. We reviewed 78 case reports of cutaneous zygomycosis published from 2004 through 2008. Most patients with cutaneous zygomycosis have underlying conditions such as haematological malignancies, diabetes mellitus or solid organ transplantation, but a large proportion of them are immunocompetent. Trauma is the most common predisposing factor leading to zygomycosis in immunocompetent patients. If the patient is immunocompromised, the infection may disseminate. Cutaneous zygomycosis may be localized, may extend to deep underlying tissues, or may be disseminated. The most common clinical presentation is induration of the skin with surrounding erythema, rapidly progressing to necrosis. Histological examination and culture of soft tissue are important for the diagnosis of cutaneous zygomycosis. Treatment consists of surgical debridement, administration of antifungal agents (amphotericin B formulations and/or posaconazole) and, occasionally, hyperbaric oxygen. Mortality rates are approximately 30%.