Mucormycosis physical examination
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Mucormycosis Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Syed Hassan A. Kazmi BSc, MD [2]
Overview
Patients with mucormycosis usually appear lethargic, weak and debilitated owing to its development in immune compromised patients. Physical examination of patients with mucorm ycosis is usually remarkable for [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
Physical Examination
Appearence of the patient
- Patients with mucormycosis usually appear weak and debilitated owing to its development in immune compromised individuals and patients with metabolic disorders.
Vital Signs
- 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
- Low blood pressure if condition leads to septic shock
Skin
- Skin may show tissue necrosis
Nasal and palatal findings
- Gray or erythematous appearance
- Can progress to black necrotic masses (ie, black eschar)
- Swelling
Ocular findings
- Proptosis
- Muddy sclera
- Conjunctival chemosis
- Ophthalmoplegia
- Fixed pupil
- Blindness
- Nystagmus
- Visual loss secondary to retinal artery thrombosis or direct fungal invasion
Neurologic findings
- Palsies of cranial nerves II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII
- Cerebral edema and vascular compromise may lead to coma and stroke
Pulmonary
- Sore throat
- Dyspnea on exertion
- Non-productive cough
- Crackles and rales on chest auscultation in pulmonary mucormycosis
GIT
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased bowel sounds