An unusual cause of bowel obstruction: Rhizopus Arrhizus diverticulitis

Med Mycol Case Rep. 2019 Jun 8:25:15-18. doi: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2019.06.004. eCollection 2019 Sep.

Abstract

Mucormycosis is a fungal infection primarily afflicting immunocompromised or diabetic patients. Its presentation ranges from rhino-orbito-cerebral infections to disseminated mucormycosis with angioinvasion. We present a patient who developed a bowel obstruction one month after bone marrow transplant and was diagnosed with Rhizopus arrhizus diverticulitis despite antifungal therapy since transplantation. She underwent surgical removal with immediate fungal resurgence, declined further invasive intervention and was discharged on palliative isavuconazole. Seven months later she is alive with fungal containment.

Keywords: Fungal diverticulitis; Mucormycosis; Rhizopus arrhizus; Salvage isavuconazole.

Publication types

  • Case Reports