Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 8, 2026

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
Fatal Pharyngeal Cellulitis Caused by Rhizopus microsporus in a Patient with Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Junqing Wu1,2,3,4, Xueping Luo1,2,3,4, Shan Fu1,2,3,4
1Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
Introduction:
Patients with immunodeficiency are highly susceptible to life-threatening fungal infections. Pharyngeal cellulitis caused by Rhizopus microsporus are exceptionally rare.
Case Presentation:
We reported a case of relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) complicated by post-chemotherapy Rhizopus microsporus pharyngeal cellulitis. This cellulitis resulted in severe tissue necrosis, pharyngeal obstruction, and sub-sequent suffocation. Emergency bedside tracheotomy was administered after acute respiratory distress. The metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) identified Rhizopus microsporus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans, and SARS-CoV-2. Despite surgical intervention and combination antimicrobial therapy (amphotericin B, posaconazole, daptomycin, ceftriaxone, and molnupiravir), the patient stabilized for 2 months before culminating in fatal carotid artery rupture.
Conclusion:
Rhizopus microsporus-related pharyngeal cellulitis is rare yet highly aggressive, demanding timely diagnosis and close monitoring. This case highlights the critical role of rapid mNGS in diagnosing polymicrobial infections, underscores the necessity of combining aggressive surgical debridement with antifungal/antimicrobial regimens, and stresses rigorous surveillance to prevent life-threatening vascular complications.
Related Concept Videos
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Pneumonia 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...
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Atypical Pneumonia
Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause: