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Pulmonary Mucormycosis in Diabetic Patients: A Case Series From a Tertiary Respiratory Center in Sri Lanka

Summary

This case study describes three patients with diabetes who developed a serious lung infection caused by a rare fungus called mucormycosis. The infection presented with various symptoms like cough, fever, and weight loss, and was diagnosed using lung tissue samples that showed the characteristic fungal structures. Two patients recovered with prolonged antifungal medication treatment, while one patient unfortunately died despite receiving prompt treatment, highlighting how serious this infection can be.

Background

Pulmonary mucormycosis is a rare but aggressive fungal infection that primarily affects immunocompromised individuals, especially those with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Its non-specific presentation often results in delayed diagnosis and treatment, mimicking more common pulmonary conditions.

Objective

To present a case series of three Sri Lankan patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who developed pulmonary mucormycosis, demonstrating variable clinical presentations, diagnostic challenges, and treatment outcomes.

Results

Two patients were successfully treated with prolonged intravenous liposomal amphotericin B therapy (56 days), with full clinical recovery. One patient rapidly deteriorated and died despite early antifungal initiation. All cases presented with variable respiratory and constitutional symptoms, with imaging revealing cavitary lesions and pleural effusions.

Conclusion

Pulmonary mucormycosis should be actively considered in diabetic patients presenting with persistent or atypical respiratory symptoms, particularly when imaging reveals cavitary lesions. Early diagnosis via bronchoscopy or surgical sampling combined with timely initiation of antifungal therapy can significantly influence outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings.
  • Published in:Cureus,
  • Study Type:Case Series,
  • Source: PMID: 40831878, DOI: 10.7759/cureus.88260
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