Disseminated Mucormycosis Masquerading as Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis

Abstract

Pulmonary mucormycosis can closely resemble invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. If the infection is not contained at its primary site, it can lead to dissemination. A middle-aged woman, initially diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukaemia, presented with atypical non-resolving pneumonia. Despite empirical antifungal treatment targeting Candida and Aspergillus, her clinical condition continued to deteriorate, resulting in the spread of the infection. Subsequent follow-up, combined with a high index of suspicion and isolation of Mucorales from an extrapulmonary site, identified mucormycosis as the causative pathogen. Early recognition of subtle clinical and radiological cues and prompt initiation of a classical medico-surgical approach is crucial for treating invasive mucormycosis and managing the underlying immunosuppressive condition. This case underscores the importance of early suspicion of Mucorales based on clinical and radiological signs, distinguishing it from invasive aspergillosis. The atypical presentation of pulmonary, splenic, and renal mucormycosis in this patient highlights the need for vigilance and timely intervention to prevent the most severe outcomes of disseminated mucormycosis.