Fatal Cutaneous Mucormycosis Initially Misdiagnosed as Necrotizing Fasciitis in an Uncontrolled Diabetic Patient: A Case Report Highlighting Diagnostic Delay

Background

Mucormycosis is a rare yet highly aggressive invasive fungal infection associated with significant mortality, particularly among patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Early diagnosis remains challenging because its clinical presentation may closely mimic bacterial necrotizing soft tissue infections, particularly in critically ill patients, while conventional diagnostic tests such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) smear have limited sensitivity.