Invasive Gastrointestinal Mucormycosis: A Master Masquerader

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Gastroenterology
• Mycology

Background:

• Mucormycosis is a rare but severe fungal infection.
• Gastrointestinal mucormycosis is particularly uncommon in children.
• Systemic inflammatory response syndrome and shock can predispose individuals to opportunistic infections.

Observation:

• Three previously healthy children developed fatal gastrointestinal mucormycosis.
• The children presented with systemic inflammatory response syndrome, shock, and metabolic acidosis.
• Abdominal distension and peritonitis were observed as secondary complications.

Findings:

• The study identified a fatal form of gastrointestinal mucormycosis in postneonatal children.
• The infection followed episodes of shock requiring vasoactive drugs and metabolic acidosis.
• Clinical presentation included abdominal distension and peritonitis.

Implications:

• Highlights the critical need for early clinical suspicion of gastrointestinal mucormycosis in pediatric cases.
• Emphasizes the diagnostic triad of shock, metabolic acidosis, and abdominal distension for prompt recognition.
• Underscores the potential severity and fatality of mucormycosis in immunocompromised or critically ill children.