Mucormycosis physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Syed Hassan A. Kazmi BSc, MD [2]

Patients with mucormycosis usually appear lethargic, weak and debilitated owing to its development in immune compromised patients. Physical examination of patients with mucormycosis is usually remarkable for skin necrosis with a black eschar, fever, chills, myalgias, sore throat, non-productive cough, abdominal pain.

• Patients with mucormycosis usually appear weak and debilitated owing to its development in immune compromised individuals and patients with metabolic disorders.

• High-grade fever
• Hypothermia/hyperthermia may be present in disseminated infection
• Tachycardia
• Tachypnea
• Kussmal respirations may be present in diabetic patients who develop mucormycosis on a background of diabetic ketoacidosis
• Weak pulse
• Hypotension, if condition leads to septic shock

• Skin may show tissue necrosis

• Gray or erythematous appearance
• Can progress to black necrotic masses (ie, black eschar)
• Swelling

• Proptosis
• Muddy sclera
• Conjunctival chemosis
• Ophthalmoplegia
• Fixed pupil
• Blindness
• Nystagmus

• Visual loss secondary to retinal artery thrombosis or direct fungal invasion

• Palsies of cranial nerves II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII
• Cerebral edema and vascular compromise may lead to coma and stroke

• Sore throat
• Dyspnea on exertion
• Non-productive cough
• Crackles and rales on chest auscultation in pulmonary mucormycosis

• Abdominal pain
• Decreased bowel sounds

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