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Illicit Drug Use a Risk Factor for Ileal Mucormycosis Presenting With Acute Abdomen
Amaresh Aruni1, Cherring Tandup1, Anish Chowdhury1
1Department of General Surgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, IND.
Abstract:
Mucormycosis is a rare, life-threatening, angioinvasive opportunistic fungal infection. Most common sites involved are rhino cerebral, pulmonary, cutaneous followed by gastrointestinal. We report a successful management of rare gastrointestinal ileal mucormycosis with perforation peritonitis managed surgically. Later histopathology revealed the ileal mucormycosis with transmural necrotizing inflammation. Histopathological demonstration of the fungus in surgical specimens remains cornerstone of the diagnosis of mucormycosis in view of its non-specific symptoms, low isolation rates of mycological culture and lack of other rapid tests.
Insights
This study reports a rare case of gastrointestinal mucormycosis in the ileum, successfully treated with surgery. Histopathology confirmed the fungal infection, highlighting its diagnostic importance.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Mucormycosis is a rare, life-threatening fungal infection affecting immunocompromised individuals.
- Commonly involves rhino cerebral, pulmonary, and cutaneous sites, with gastrointestinal involvement being less frequent.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A rare case of gastrointestinal ileal mucormycosis presented with perforation peritonitis.
- The patient underwent successful surgical management for the condition.
- Histopathology of the surgical specimen revealed ileal mucormycosis with transmural necrotizing inflammation.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination of surgical specimens is the gold standard for diagnosing mucormycosis.
- This method is vital due to non-specific clinical symptoms and low fungal culture isolation rates.
- Confirms the presence of angioinvasive fungal elements in tissue.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering mucormycosis in the differential diagnosis of abdominal emergencies, especially in at-risk populations.
- Surgical intervention can be life-saving in cases of perforation.
- Emphasizes the definitive role of histopathology in confirming rare fungal infections when other diagnostic methods are inconclusive.
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