# An Uncommon Case of Upper-Extremity Mucormycosis in a Patient With Acute Myeloid Leukemia

## TL;DR

A rare case of upper-extremity mucormycosis in a leukemia patient highlights the need for early diagnosis and aggressive treatment to prevent severe outcomes.

## Contribution

This paper presents a rare clinical case emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment of mucormycosis in immunocompromised individuals.

## Key findings

- The patient's infection was caused by Mucorales, a fast-progressing and lethal fungal subgroup.
- Combination therapy with antifungals and surgery was effective in treating the infection.
- Early suspicion and diagnostic methods like histology and microscopy are crucial for timely intervention.

## Abstract

Upper-extremity mucormycosis is a rare, life-threatening fungal infection mainly affecting immunocompromised patients. We report a case of a 30-year-old woman with acute myelogenous leukemia who developed this infection during her hospital stay. The culprit was Mucorales, a subgroup of Zygomycetes species known for fast-progressing, highly lethal infections. She presented with fever, chills, and a lesion on her left forearm that worsened despite initial broad-spectrum antibiotics. A punch biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, leading to antifungal therapy with isavuconazonium sulfate and later amphotericin B, combined with surgery. Timely intervention is critical because delayed treatment can result in severe complications and death. Early suspicion, histology, microscopy, and fungal cultures are vital for accurate diagnosis. Treatment primarily involves amphotericin B, whereas adjunctive therapies such as topical amphotericin B and hyperbaric oxygen show promise. This case underscores the importance of prompt medical and surgical action, enhancing early detection of mucormycosis in immunocompromised patients.