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Liver and brain mucormycosis in a diabetic patient type II successfully treated with liposomial amphotericin B
G Tsaousis1, A Koutsouri, C Gatsiou
15th Medical Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Abstract:
A case of liver and brain mucormycosis in a 73-y-old diabetic patient is described. The patient presented with fever and a moderate, tender hepatomegaly and a C/T scan examination of the abdomen and brain showed multiple hepatic and cerebral nodular lesions. The largest of the liver lesions was aspirated and broad hyphae of mucor were demonstrated in the purulent material obtained. The patient was treated successfully (for 40 d) with intravenous liposomal amphotericin B and then with itraconazole for 3 months. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a diabetic patient with both liver and brain mucormycosis who has been treated successfully.
Insights
This case study details a successful treatment for a diabetic patient with liver and brain mucormycosis, a rare fungal infection. The patient recovered fully after treatment with antifungal medications.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Diabetology
Background:
- Mucormycosis is a severe fungal infection, often fatal, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Disseminated mucormycosis involving multiple organs presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Diabetes mellitus is a known risk factor for invasive fungal infections like mucormycosis.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old diabetic patient presented with fever and hepatomegaly.
- CT scans revealed multiple nodular lesions in the liver and brain.
- Microscopic examination of liver aspirate confirmed broad hyphae of Mucor species.
Findings:
- The patient received intravenous liposomal amphotericin B for 40 days, followed by itraconazole for 3 months.
- Successful treatment of both hepatic and cerebral mucormycosis was achieved.
- This represents the first reported successful treatment of disseminated mucormycosis in a diabetic patient affecting both liver and brain.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and aggressive antifungal therapy in disseminated mucormycosis.
- Successful management in a diabetic patient suggests potential treatment protocols for similar complex cases.
- Further research into risk factors and treatment strategies for mucormycosis in diabetic populations is warranted.