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Pulmonary mucoraceous fungal ball
T K Lahiri1, D Agarwal, G E Reddy
1Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. gramed@nde.vsnl.net.in
The Indian Journal of Chest Diseases & Allied Sciences
|September 1, 2001
Summary
A rare case of pulmonary mucormycosis, a fungal ball infection, occurred in an immunocompetent patient. This opportunistic infection highlights the need for vigilance even in non-compromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mucormycosis is a rare but serious fungal infection.
- It typically affects immunocompromised individuals.
- Pulmonary involvement is a severe manifestation.
Observation:
- A case of pulmonary fungal ball caused by Mucoraceae (nonseptate hyphae) in an immunocompetent patient with a history of tuberculosis.
Findings:
- The patient presented with a chronic course and a right upper lobe cavity invaded by Mucor species.
- Pathology revealed granuloma, blood vessel thrombosis, and a fungus ball.
- The patient had no other predisposing conditions.
Implications:
- This case underscores the possibility of mucormycosis in immunocompetent hosts, challenging previous assumptions.
- Surgical resection combined with antifungal therapy (Amphotericin B) was effective.
- Further research into mucormycosis in immunocompetent individuals is warranted.