[Pulmonary mucormycosis in a patient with diabetes mellitus: favorable evolution under medical treatment]

Rev Fac Cien Med Univ Nac Cordoba. 2007;64(3):93-8.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Pulmonary mucormycosis is a relatively uncommon but an important opportunistic fungal infection in immunocompromised patients. It may be acquired by inhalation of spores into the lungs. The pathogenic hallmark of mucormycosis is vascular invasion resulting in thrombosis and tissue infarction/necrosis. The diagnosis can be difficult since presentation does not differ from other forms of pneumonia. Risk factors include neutropenia, haematologic malignancies, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, skin burns and deferoxamine therapy in dialysis patients. Early recognition, control of underlying diseases and medical-surgical aggressive management are warranted to better outcomes. Pulmonary mucormycosis has a high mortality and medical treatment strategy alone has been associated in several studies to greater mortality. We describe a case of pulmonary mucormicosis with favorable evolution only under medical treatment. We reviewed the bibliography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use*
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / complications*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Fungal / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mucormycosis / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Amphotericin B