Mucormycosis history and symptoms

Mucormycosis Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Mucormycosis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
X Ray
CT
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies

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

History

Obtaining history is an important factor in making a diagnosis of mucormycosis since the signs and symptoms may be non-specific and mimic other conditions with similar presentations. Most mucormycosis infections are life-threatening, and develop in the presence of other risk factors such as diabetic ketoacidosis and neutropenia. Severe infection of the facial sinuses, which may extend into the brain, is the most common presentation. Pulmonary, cutaneous, and gastrointestinal (GI) infections are also recognized.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of rhinocerebral mucormycosis include:

• Eyes that swell and stick out (protrude)
• Dark scabbing in nasal cavities
• Fever
• Headache
• Mental status changes
• Redness of skin above sinuses
• Sinus pain or congestion

Symptoms of lung (pulmonary) mucormycosis include:

• Cough
• Hemoptysis
• Fever
• Shortness of breath

Symptoms of gastrointestinal mucormycosis include:

• Abdominal pain
• Blood in the stools
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting blood
• Inability to pass stools

Symptoms of kidney (renal) mucormycosis include:

• Fever
• Pain in the upper abdomen or back\
• Hemeturia

Symptoms of skin (cutaneous) mucormycosis include:

• A single, painful, hardened area of skin that may have a blackened center.