Pediatric pulmonary mucormycosis in a diabetic patient treated with extended pleurectomy and Clagett procedure

• Main Authors: Rebecca C. Gologorsky, Sora Ely, Kara A. Rothenberg, Carol Glaser, Jeffrey B. Velotta
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2019-06-01
• Series: Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213576619300971

Mucor is a ubiquitous fungus that is non-pathogenic in healthy people. In immunocompromised hosts, nonfunctional or absent neutrophils and macrophages result in fungal invasion and infection [1]. Invasive mucor (mucormycosis) most commonly involves the sinuses, brain, or lungs. Pulmonary mucormycosis typically presents in patients with a history of organ transplantation or hematologic malignancy [2], and is rare in patients with diabetes alone. The epidemiology and management of pediatric pulmonary mucormycosis is poorly described. We report an unusual occurrence of this disease, complicated by segmental pulmonary artery thrombus in a 15-year-old with poorly controlled diabetes. His severe, medication-resistant infection was ultimately treated successfully with antifungal medication combined with aggressive surgical debridement. The pulmonary artery segmental thrombus resolved after treatment of the underlying infection without anticoagulation. Keywords: Mucormycosis, Pulmonary mucormycosis, Diabetes, Pneumonectomy, Clagett procedure, Pediatric thoracic surgery