External Iliac artery stent mucormycosis in a renal transplant patient

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Transplant Surgery
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Renal transplant recipients are susceptible to opportunistic infections.
• External iliac artery aneurysms can occur after transplantation and surgical interventions.
• Mucormycosis is a rare but aggressive fungal infection.

Observation:

• A patient developed an external iliac artery aneurysm post-kidney transplant and acute rejection.
• Peripheral thromboembolism recurred two months after stent placement for the aneurysm.
• Histological analysis of thrombus revealed fungal hyphae consistent with Mucorales.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with an invasive Mucorales infection of the iliac artery stent.
• A combination of surgical intervention and intravenous liposomal amphotericin B was initiated.
• Complete resolution of the infection was achieved.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering invasive fungal infections in transplant patients with vascular complications.
• Early diagnosis and combined treatment are crucial for managing mycotic aneurysms and stent infections.
• Successful management can lead to long-term disease-free survival in these complex cases.