[Systemic paracoccidioidomycosis with compromise of the cecal appendix in a child: case report]

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Paracoccidioidomycosis is the leading systemic fungal infection in Latin America.
• The juvenile form in children typically affects lymph nodes and gastrointestinal organs.
• Gastrointestinal involvement, particularly appendiceal, is less common but significant.

Observation:

• A 10-year-old patient presented with acute right iliac fossa pain, diarrhea, fever, weight loss, and hypereosinophilia.
• Initial symptoms suggested acute appendicitis.
• Histopathology of the cecal appendix and mesenteric lymph nodes confirmed systemic paracoccidioidomycosis.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with acute appendicitis secondary to systemic paracoccidioidomycosis.
• Cecal appendix involvement by paracoccidioidomycosis is a rare finding.
• Histopathological analysis was crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Implications:

• Systemic paracoccidioidomycosis should be included in the differential diagnosis for appendicitis-like symptoms in children and young adults from endemic regions.
• Early recognition and diagnosis are vital for appropriate treatment of this mycosis.
• This case underscores the varied clinical presentations of paracoccidioidomycosis in pediatric patients.