Work

Disseminated mucormycosis leading to a fatal gastrointestinal perforation in a pediatric case of EBV-associated Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Disseminated mucormycosis is a rare and often fatal infection, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals. Its diagnosis is extremely challenging, as definitive identification of organisms in tissue by histopathology with culture confirmation can be invasive, slow, and insensitive. We present the case of a 12-month-old female with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), triggered by a high Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral load and complicated by an underlying NK-cell perforin deficiency. Despite rapid HLH-specific and maximal supportive care, the patient developed life-threatening mucormycosis with extensive gastrointestinal involvement. Clinicians should note insidious signs, such as a black eschar and hypodense lesions on MRI imaging findings, indicative of tissue infarction from hyphal vascular invasion in these susceptible hosts. Prompt invasive testing of involved organs is critical upon suspicion.

Source: Medical Mycology Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2025.100744

Authors: Yingyi He, Rong Hu, Li Yuan, Weiqiang Xiao, Xiaoling Su, Li Huang

Institutions: Fujian Medical University, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Women and Children Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Antifungal resistance and susceptibility

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $650