Abstract :
Mucormycosis is a rare but life-threatening fungal infection caused by fungi of the order Mucorales, predominantly affecting immunocompromised individuals. Pulmonary mucormycosis (PM), the second most common form, is often misdiagnosed due to its nonspecific clinical presentation, which includes fever, cough, dyspnea, and haemoptysis. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to improving outcomes in this highly invasive infection.
We report the case of a 71-year-old male with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, who presented with non-resolving pneumonia. Despite empirical antibiotic therapy, his symptoms persisted, and imaging revealed a cavitary lesion in the left upper lobe. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus species. The patient was treated with intravenous liposomal amphotericin B, followed by oral posaconazole. Glycaemic control was optimized, and surgical intervention was planned but deferred due to clinical improvement.
This case highlights the importance of considering mucormycosis in non-resolving pneumonia, especially in patients with diabetes and other risk factors. It underscores the need for early diagnostic evaluation, prompt initiation of antifungal therapy, and multidisciplinary management to achieve favourable outcomes in this often-fatal condition.
Keyword :
Pulmonary mucormycosis, Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, Non-resolving pneumonia, Amphotericin-B, Posaconazole