GASTROINTESTINAL MUCORMYCOSIS: A CASE REPORT

Introduction: Mucormycosis is a rare, aggressive, and often fatal infection causedby mucormycetemolds, primarily affecting immunocom promised individuals or those with diabetes. It typically invades the sinuses, lungs, or skin via inhalation or wound contamination, often requiring immediate antifungal medication (e.g., LiposomalAmphotericin B) and surgical debridement. Mortality rates are high, frequently exceeding 50%.

Case summary: A 17-year-old male with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) presented with acute abdominal pain and distension Initially suspected to have small bowel obstruction, ultrasound revealed mild hepatomegaly, moderate ascites, and gallbladder wall thickening.Despite being immunocompromised, a fungal infection was not clinically suspected; PCR and fungal culture were not performed however, this possibility should not be overlooked. Histopathology confirmed mucormycosis with broad, aseptate hyphae, angioinvasion, and ischemic necrosis.