Pulmonary mucormycosis mimicking as pulmonary tuberculosis: A rare case report

• Main Authors: Divya Khanduja (Author), NC Kajal (Author), Rajbir Singh (Author), Shakti Sharma (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Archives of Pulmonology and Respiratory Care - Peertechz Publications, 2021-07-27.
• Subjects: Case Report
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

<p>Pulmonary mucormycosis is an uncommon pulmonary fungal disease, which is commonly seen in immunocompromised individuals. It is caused by fungi of class Zygomycetes. It constitutes the third most common invasive fungal infection following aspergillosis and candidiasis. Risk factors include patients with hematological malignancies, diabetes mellitus, and immunocompromised states. It is difficult to diagnose early due to non-specific clinical presentation and delay in treatment associated with greater mortality. Here we report a case of 26-year-old male who presented with history of cough, breathlessness for past 2 months and, haemoptysis and fever for past 1-2 weeks. Patient has history of illicit intravenous drug abuse and previous history of Pulmonary Tuberculosis as a risk factor for immunosuppression in this case. As we know that Tuberculosis and HIV are highly prevalent in country like India. Patient had non-resolving opacification with cavitation on chest radiograph for which he was misdiagnosed as Pulmonary Tuberculosis. The diagnosis of Pulmonary Mucormycosis is bases upon demonstration of fungal hyphae in the clinical specimen. We highlight the importance of clinical suspicion in these cases for early diagnosis and early treatment initiation can reverse morbidity and mortality associated with Pulmonary Mucormycosis.</p>