Rhinocerebral mucormycosis in a patient of acute renal failure

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Nephrology

Background:

• Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection caused by mucorales, typically affecting immunocompromised individuals.
• It presents as a rapidly fatal disease with high mortality rates.
• Rhinocerebral mucormycosis classically involves the nasal mucosa, sinuses, and orbit.

Observation:

• A case of mucormycosis is presented in a previously healthy female patient.
• The patient developed acute renal failure.
• The renal failure occurred subsequent to an episode of gastroenteritis.

Findings:

• This case demonstrates an atypical presentation of mucormycosis.
• The infection occurred in an immunocompetent host.
• Gastroenteritis preceded the development of acute renal failure secondary to mucormycosis.

Implications:

• This case expands the known clinical spectrum of mucormycosis.
• It suggests a potential link between gastroenteritis and mucormycosis in healthy individuals.
• Highlights the importance of considering rare infections in cases of acute renal failure, even in seemingly healthy patients.