Emphysematous gastritis secondary to gastric mucormycosis

Abstract

Abstract Background Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection of the mucosa, which mainly affects immunocompromised patients. The association with emphysematous gastritis, produced by gas -forming bacteria, is rare and often fatal. The case is presented of a trauma patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus, and diabetic ketoacidosis complicated with gastric mucormycosis associated with emphysematous gastritis. Clinical case A male aged 32, who was involved in a car accident, and suffered head trauma, is admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. An endoscopy was performed, finding an erosive esophagitis Class C, ischaemia and gastric necrosis. Computed tomography scan showed emphysematous gastritis and gastric necrosis. He underwent total gastrectomy with a histopathology report of gastric mucormycosis. After the surgical procedure the patient died due to sepsis secondary to pulmonary mucormycosis Discussion Mucormycosis is a rare fungal disease which infrequently affects the gastrointestinal tract, with the stomach being the most affected site. The mortality is high if the diagnosis is not made promptly and appropriate treatment is given. Conclusion Suspecting its existence is necessary in patients with immunocompromised status to diagnose it and provide timely treatment to increase survival, due to its high mortality.