Mucor mycosis of tibia: A case report of An unsolved entity

Abstract

Mucormycosis of tibia is a highly aggressive fungal infection. It is an uncommon affection especially in immunocompromised host who have more propensity for such affections.

The nonhealing ulcer of the left leg in an immunocompromised host status of a 45-year-old male presented with a radiological lytic lesion of the distal lower fourth of tibia. The initial biopsy confirmed tubercular affection which responded to antitubercular medications to allow radiological healing. However, the repeat biopsy showed Mucormycosis which remained recalcitrant to antifungal medications with unresponsive wound healing and persisting suppuration. The case presented unique scenario of superadded fungal infection in a healing tubercular osteomyelitis tibia with alcoholic liver disease compromised host immunity.

The fungal infection of tibia remains an unsolved entity with poor clinical and functional outcomes. An early detection, high degree of suspicion with an adequate dosage of antifungal medications may allow resolution of the dreaded infection though an effective treatment remains an unsolved entity.