Renal and intraperitoneal mucormycosis in thalassemic patient

Abstract

Mucormycosis is a rare fungus disease. However it can cause serious and fatal infection in especial conditions such as thalassemic patients. Early diagnosis of this disease is very important for obtaining better results during treatment. Mucormycosis has an extremely high mortality rate even with aggressive surgical intervention. Death rate range is from 25%-80% depending on the site involved as well as the underlying immune problem. Untreated renal mucormycosis has a mortality rate exceeding 90%. Renal mucormycosis should be suspected in those with persistent flank pain and fever associated with underlying disease. Successful treatment requires early diagnosis, correction of the underlying risk factor, aggressive surgery and amphotericin-B medication.