Foreign body aspiration and mucormycosis: a case report
Hamed Mehdinezhad1, Reza Mohseni Ahangar1, Mohammad Golparvar Azizi2
1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Rouhani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
Abstract:
Over the course of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, numerous complications have been documented. In this report, we have detailed an unexpected complication of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that occurred in a 73-year-old female patient who was simultaneously afflicted with mucormycosis and another unanticipated problem. Due to the lack of recovery of the patient after receiving mucormycosis treatment and continued fever, cough and hemoptysis, bronchoscopy was performed for her. During bronchoscopy, we encountered a foreign body that was the cause of the patient's fever, cough, and hemoptysis. Rigid bronchoscopy was performed and the foreign body was removed from the left main bronchus. The lack of a favorable treatment response after administering antifungal therapy suggested that the presence of a foreign body could potentially act as an underlying nidus, thus influencing the suboptimal therapeutic outcome. Mucormycosis is usually characterized by distinct radiological patterns. However, this case did not present predictable imaging findings, further complicating the diagnostic process associated with this invasive fungal infection.
Insights
A rare case of mucormycosis complicated by a foreign body in the left main bronchus is presented. Foreign body removal improved symptoms, suggesting it was a nidus for infection and impacted treatment response.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has seen various complications.
- Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection often associated with specific radiological findings.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old female patient with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection also presented with mucormycosis.
- Despite antifungal treatment for mucormycosis, the patient experienced persistent fever, cough, and hemoptysis.
- Bronchoscopy revealed a foreign body in the left main bronchus, which was subsequently removed.
Findings:
- The foreign body was identified as the cause of the patient's respiratory symptoms and lack of response to antifungal therapy.
- The presence of a foreign body may act as a nidus, complicating treatment outcomes for invasive fungal infections like mucormycosis.
- Radiological findings in this case of mucormycosis were atypical, deviating from characteristic patterns and complicating diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering foreign bodies as a potential complicating factor in respiratory infections, particularly in patients with atypical presentations or poor treatment response.
- The findings suggest that a thorough diagnostic evaluation, including bronchoscopy, may be necessary to identify underlying causes beyond the primary infection.
- Recognizing atypical presentations of mucormycosis is crucial for timely and effective management, especially when standard treatments are ineffective.
More Related Videos
09:52Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
15:01Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy-Based Quantitative Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia Distribution in Whole-Mount Optically Cleared Mouse Lung
Published on: September 18, 2021
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:29Fungal Group Zygomycota
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis