DISSEMINATED FUSARIOSIS WITH ORAL AND NASAL FIRST MANIFESTATION: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Fusariosis is a fungal infection that affects immunocompromised hosts and is mainly fatal in its disseminated form. A 49-year-old male patient with acute myeloid leukemia, hepatic and splenic infiltration, thrombocytopenia, odynophagia, and abdominal pain was referred for evaluation. Clinical examination revealed nasal and small oral ulcers with erythematous halo on the soft palate, and diagnostic hypotheses were bacterial or viral infection. Treatment with cefepime and vancomycin, local hygiene, and low-level laser therapy were adopted, and lesions presented remission. The clinical condition improved, and chemotherapy with cytarabine was initiated; however, new lesions emerged concomitantly as well as pain in the sinuses and nasal obstruction. Biopsy and surgical debridement were performed, and the final diagnosis was fusariosis based on histopathologic and culture examination. Treatment with amphotericin B and vancomycin was performed, but there was worsening of immunosuppression with the dissemination of infection evolving to death.