Isolated pulmonary mucormycosis in an immunocompetent patient: a case report and systematic review of the literature
- Resource Type
- article
- Authors
- Jianhan He; Gaohong Sheng; Huihui Yue; Fengqin Zhang; Hui-Lan Zhang
- Source
- BMC Pulmonary Medicine, Vol 21, Iss 1, Pp 1-8 (2021)
- Subject
- Pulmonary mucormycosis
Immunocompetent host
Systematic review
Case report
Diseases of the respiratory system
RC705-779
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 1471-2466
99725274
Abstract Background Pulmonary mucormycosis caused by Mucorales is a highly lethal invasive fungal infection usually found in immunocompromised patients. Isolated pulmonary mucormycosis in immunocompetent patients is very rare. Here, we present a case of a 32-year-old male who developed pulmonary mucormycosis without any known immunodeficiency. Case presentation The patient presented to our hospital because of cough and chest pain along with blood in the sputum. He was first treated for community-acquired pneumonia until bronchoalveolar lavage fluid culture confirmed the growth of Absidia. His symptoms were relieved with the use of amphotericin B, and he eventually recovered. We also provide a systematic review of relevant literature to summarize the characteristics of pulmonary mucormycosis in immunocompetent patients. Conclusions Pulmonary mucormycosis has variable clinical presentations and is difficult to identify. Due to its high fatality rate, clinicians should make judgements regarding suspected cases correctly and in a timely manner to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.