Gastrointestinal mucormycosis after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and prolonged hospitalization: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection typically affecting immunocompromised hosts. One form of the disease affects the gastrointestinal tract. PRESENTATION OF CASE We present the case of a 70-year old patient with no recognized risk factors that developed gastrointestinal mucormycosis after urgent abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. DISCUSSION There are several risk factors for this infection, such as hematological malignancies, solid organ or stem cell transplants and diabetes. The infectious agent causes thrombosis and necrosis of involved tissues and organs and carries a high mortality rate. CONCLUSION Mucormycosis is an opportunistic infection which can sometimes affect the gastrointestinal tract. A high index of suspicion is necessary in order to make an early diagnosis and promptly start an appropriate treatment regimen.