The Fatal Course of Pulmonary Mucormycosis: A Case Report

Cureus. 2024 Aug 2;16(8):e66018. doi: 10.7759/cureus.66018. eCollection 2024 Aug.

Abstract

Pulmonary mucormycosis is a rare and lethal fungal infection elicited by fungi of the order Mucorales. The disease predominantly affects immunocompromised hosts, like those with diabetes mellitus, hematologic malignancies, or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. We, at this moment, report a case of pulmonary mucormycosis in a 55-year-old gentleman, exemplifying the ferocity of clinical disease, diagnostic dilemmas, and rapidity of progression. A diagnosis of pulmonary mucormycosis was based on diagnostic imaging and flexible bronchoscopy. Despite aggressive antifungal and supportive treatment, the patient's condition deteriorated further, and unfortunately succumbed to cardiorespiratory arrest. This case reinforces the importance of early recognition of pulmonary mucormycosis and aggressive medical management, especially in immunocompromised patients, in salvaging lives with good outcomes and preventing the fulminant progression of the disease process.

Keywords: amphotericin-b; bird nest appearance; cystic consolidation; fungal hyphae; mucorales.

Publication types

  • Case Reports