[Analysis of deep mycoses in autopsy cases]

The deep mycosis in compromised patients is increasing. We examined 40 cases (3%) of the deep mycoses out of 1170 autopsy cases experienced in Saint Luke's International Hospital from 1987 to 1996. The deep mycosis was highly associated with hematologic malignancies(23%) but not with solid tumors(2%). The common mycoses were aspergillosis and candidiasis, which were observed in 27(68%) and 14 (35%) cases, respectively. Most of the patients received broad-spectrum antibiotics, anticancer agents and corticosteroids, and showed granulocytopenia. The symptoms of deep mycoses were non-specific, for example, pyrexia and/or respiratory symptoms. The clinical diagnosis was established in 8 cases and the appropriate antifungal agents were used in 12 cases(30%). Thus, empiric amphotericin-B therapy should be started early in-patients with granulocytopenia, respiratory symptoms, and pyrexia.