Korean J Dermatol.  2003 Apr;41(4):501-504.

A Case of Mucormycosis Involving the Skin in Renal Transplant Recipient

• Jee MS
• Choi HJ
• Choi JH
• Sung KJ
• Moon KC
• Koh JK

Abstract

Mucormycosis is a rare and opportunistic infection usually associated with hematologic diseases, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, solid tumors, and organ transplantations. We present here a considered case of disseminated mucormycosis in renal transplant recipient. A 60-year-old man who had undergone second kidney transplantation for a month visited emergency room due to 5 day history of cough with spiking fever and abnormal mental status and vital signs were rapidly deteriorated. Septic shock was suspicious. He was admitted to ICU and treated with broad spectrum antibiotics and antiviral agents, but there was no improvement. A few days later, several large hemorrhagic blisters and purpura occurred on the face, trunk, and both lower extremities. The histopathologic examination from skin specimen revealed large, broad, nonseptate hyphae branched at right angles in the dermis and blood vessels, which was consistent with mucormycosis. But the skin culture for fungus was negative. He had had no skin trauma history and evidence. So we considered the disseminated mucormycosis from unknown primary origin. He died of progressive respiratory failure before antifungal treatment.

Keyword

Mucormycosis; Renal transplantation; Skin

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Antiviral Agents
Blister
Blood Vessels
Cough
Dermis
Diabetes Mellitus
Emergency Service, Hospital
Fever
Fungi
Hematologic Diseases
Humans
Hyphae
Kidney Transplantation
Lower Extremity
Middle Aged
Mucormycosis*
Opportunistic Infections
Organ Transplantation
Purpura
Renal Insufficiency
Respiratory Insufficiency
Shock, Septic
Skin*
Transplantation*
Transplants
Vital Signs
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Antiviral Agents