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Gastrointestinal phycomycosis in acute nonlymphatic leukemia.
1Department of Medicine, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
Israel Journal of Medical Sciences
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Gastrointestinal phycomycosis, a rare fungal infection, can occur in leukemia patients with bone marrow failure. This case highlights the severe presentation of typhlitis and the rapid, fatal progression of the infection.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Hematology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Acute nonlymphatic leukemia (ANLL) is a hematologic malignancy.
- Bone marrow production failure can lead to opportunistic infections.
- Gastrointestinal complications are a concern in immunocompromised patients.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old ANLL patient experienced bone marrow failure.
- The patient presented with symptoms of acute typhlitis.
- Surgical exploration revealed a necrotic mass at the iliocecal valve.
Findings:
- Histological examination confirmed phycomycetes hyphae.
- Invasion of blood vessels by the fungus was observed.
- The infection was widespread, leading to patient demise.
Implications:
- Gastrointestinal phycomycosis is a critical, potentially fatal complication in ANLL.
- Early recognition of typhlitis in leukemia patients is crucial.
- Fungal angioinvasion signifies aggressive disease progression.