Mucormycosis of the lung, a rare cause for lung cavitations. case report

ABSTRACT

Cavitary lung lesion is caused by serious lung pathology. Among rare causes is mucormycosis that should not be overlooked. High index of suspicion is necessary to avoid missed diagnosis especially in diabetic and immunosuppressed patients. We present two cases with lung mucormycosis diagnosis. Case 1 A 58 year old male with history of diabetes, presented with hemoptysis. Chest X ray [CXR] showed cavitation. Bronchial lavage revealed mucor hypha that was proved again with lobectomy. Case 2 A 39 year old female with history of chronic renal failure and lung cavitary lesion due to previous necrotizing pneumonia. She suffered from cough, dyspnea and hemoptysis. Comparison of old and new CT scan showed increasing of cavity thickness. Lobectomy was performed and mucor was proved in histopathology. We present two cases of pulmonary mucormycosis who referred with hemoptysis and other respiratory tract symptoms and lung cavitations. Surgical resection and amphotericin was very successful in their management. We recommend investigation of fungus in BAL fluid or tissue material of patients with cavitary lesion