A case of basidiobolomycosis mimicking rhabdomyosarcoma: A diagnostic challenge

Abstract

Basidiobolomycosis is a rare curable fungal infection caused by the saprophytic fungus Basidiobolus ranarum. It often causes skin infections but rarely infects visceral tissues in humans. Gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis is an emerging form, which is rare but is increasingly reported. Due to its ability to mimic more common diagnoses such as chronic inflammatory disorders and malignancies, Basidiobolomycosis imposes a diagnostic challenge on most physicians. Therefore, a timely and correct diagnosis by laboratory tests and careful review of images along with proper medical management can save patients from invasive treatments and reduce both morbidity and mortality. Here, we present a rare case of an 8-year-old boy with basidiobolomycosis initially misdiagnosed as rhabdomyosarcoma. We aim to highlight basidiobolomycosis as a potential differential from masses on imaging under the right clinical circumstances and to provide radiologists with key imaging details to help recognize this infectious etiology and reduce its associated morbidity.

Keywords

• Basidiobolomycosis
• Radiology
• Rhabdomyosarcoma