Systemic Apophysomyces elegans after trauma: case report and literature review

Surg Infect (Larchmt). 2002 Fall;3(3):283-9. doi: 10.1089/109629602761624243.

Abstract

We present a case of systemic fungal infection caused by Apophysomyces elegans in a 50-year-old patient who developed a progressive skin lesion after a motor vehicle crash. Histopathological and mycological examination of the surgical sample showed non-septated hyphae characteristic of mucoraceous fungi. Despite extensive surgical debridement, and parenteral administration of amphotericin B, the patient died of multi-organ failure. Autopsy findings suggested systemic involvement. The fungi recovered from culture had non-apophyseal and globose sporangi, and branched sporaniophores and was identified as Apophysomyces elegans.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mucorales*
  • Mucormycosis / complications*
  • Mucormycosis / microbiology
  • Mucormycosis / therapy
  • Multiple Organ Failure / etiology
  • Wound Infection / complications*
  • Wound Infection / microbiology
  • Wound Infection / therapy
  • Wounds and Injuries / complications*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Amphotericin B