Pulmonary mucormycosis with extensive bronchial necrosis and bronchomediastinal fistula: A case report and review

Abstract

Mucormycosis is a life-threatening infection caused by fungi in the Mucorales species. It most often affects immunocompromised hosts, including diabetics patients. It can affect a variety of organ systems with pulmonary manifestations being the second most common. In severe cases, significant bronchial necrosis and angioinvasion can be seen. Due to its rarity, such extensive cases are not often reported in literature. We present a case of a 32-year-old man who presented with severe bronchial necrosis, including bronchomediastinal fistula, due to Rhizopus. Despite prompt treatment, he developed massive hemoptysis from invasion of the pulmonary vasculature and died. We also provide a brief review of mucormycosis.

Keywords

• Mucormycosis
• Rhizopus
• Bronchomediastinal fistula
• Mediastinal emphysema
• Massive hemoptysis