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Mucormycosis causing massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a case report
Ting-Hsuan Chiang1, Yi-Wei Lee1, Jui-Hsiang Tan2
1School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
BMC Gastroenterology
|July 3, 2021
Summary
A rare case of gastrointestinal mucormycosis caused massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding in a diabetic patient. Prompt antifungal treatment led to successful recovery, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis in immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common hospital complication.
- Infectious causes of LGIB are rare but can lead to severe outcomes.
- Diagnosing rare infectious LGIB preoperatively can be challenging.
Observation:
- A patient with diabetes and alcohol abuse presented with altered mental status and massive hematochezia.
- Colonoscopy revealed a transverse colon ulcer with features suggestive of mucormycosis.
- Biopsy confirmed mucormycosis with characteristic hyphae.
Findings:
- The patient received 2 months of antifungal therapy.
- Follow-up colonoscopy showed complete resolution of the ulcer.
- This case highlights a rare but serious cause of LGIB.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal mucormycosis are crucial.
- Clinical vigilance for mucormycosis in immunocompromised patients is essential.
- Prompt antifungal prophylaxis may be warranted in high-suspicion cases.
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