Journal article
Laryngotracheal mucormycosis: Report of a case
Ear, nose, & throat journal, v 95(1), pp 29-39
01 Jan 2016
PMID: 26829683
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Airway mucormycosis is a deadly opportunistic infection that affects immunocompromised persons, particularly diabetics and those undergoing chemotherapy. Although it is typically a pulmonary or sinonasal infection, mucormycosis can affect the larynx and trachea, with devastating results. We report the case of a 46-year-old man with human immunodeficiency virus infection, hepatitis C infection, neurosyphilis, and recently diagnosed Burkitt lymphoma who presented with dysphonia and stridor after receiving one dose of intrathecal chemotherapy. Flexible laryngoscopy detected the presence of fibrinous material that was obstructing nearly the entire glottis. Surgical debridement revealed a firm mucosal attachment; there was little bleeding when it was removed. After debridement, the patient's dyspnea improved only to recur 2 days later. After an awake tracheotomy, laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy identified necrosis extending from the supraglottic area to the carina tracheae. Biopsies demonstrated hyphal architecture consistent with mucormycosis. Despite continued debridements, the fibrinous material reaccumulated. The patient was placed in hospice care; his airway remained patent, but he died from other causes several weeks after presentation. The management of airway mucormycosis is challenging and complex. Fungal airway infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an immunosuppressed patient who presents with dyspnea, dysphonia, and vocal fold immobility. Timely diagnosis and management are critical for a successful outcome, although the prognosis is poor if the infection is widespread, even with the best of efforts.
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Details
- Title
- Laryngotracheal mucormycosis: Report of a case
- Creators
- Jillian Mattioni - Drexel Univ, Coll Med, Dept Otolaryngol Head & Neck Surg, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USAJoel E. Portnoy - Drexel UniversityJaime Eaglin Moore - Virginia Commonwealth Univ, Med Ctr, Dept Otolaryngol Head & Neck Surg, Richmond, VA 23284 USADavid Carlson - Mem ENT, Jacksonville, FL USARobert T. Sataloff - Drexel Univ, Coll Med, Dept Otolaryngol Head & Neck Surg, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
- Publication Details
- Ear, nose, & throat journal, v 95(1), pp 29-39
- Publisher
- VENDOME GROUP LLC
- Number of pages
- 5
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Medicine; Otolaryngology (and Head and Neck Surgery)
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000368758400007
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85012050616
- Other Identifier
- 991019168129604721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Otorhinolaryngology