Mucormycosis Rhinosinusitis at Diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Diagnostics and Management Challenges in a Low-Middle-income Country

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2015 Apr;37(3):e173-7. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000000198.

Abstract

We present the case of an adolescent with mucor rhinosinusitis diagnosed concomitantly with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at a hospital in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. We also discuss the challenges faced in the dual management of hematologic malignancies and invasive fungal disease in a low-middle-income country, such as access to diagnostics, immunosuppressants, imaging, and antifungals. Despite these shortcomings, the patient was successfully treated for both the diseases. Low-middle-income country hospitals can effectively treat invasive fungal diseases by providing adequate diagnostic and support services, which can improve the outcomes of pediatric cancer patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Developing Countries
  • Disease Management
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Male
  • Mucormycosis / drug therapy
  • Mucormycosis / etiology*
  • Mucormycosis / pathology
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / diagnosis*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / immunology
  • Prognosis
  • Rhinitis / drug therapy
  • Rhinitis / etiology*
  • Rhinitis / pathology
  • Sinusitis / drug therapy
  • Sinusitis / etiology*
  • Sinusitis / pathology

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents