Research Topic: Surgical management

A rare case of invasive necrotizing myositis of the thigh caused by Basidiobolus ranarum: a multi-pronged approach to successfully managing a near-fatal polybacterial mycotic infection

A 46-year-old man developed a severe, spreading infection of his thigh muscle caused by a rare fungus called Basidiobolus ranarum, likely from an insect bite years earlier that was neglected. The infection became life-threatening when bacteria also invaded the tissue, causing widespread muscle death and bloodstream infection. Doctors treated him with multiple antifungal medications, antibiotics, surgery, and eventually had to amputate his leg to save his life. After six weeks of intensive care combining several medications including potassium iodide and extended oral antifungal therapy, the wound finally healed.

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A case of spontaneous abdominal hemoperitoneum secondary to ruptured splenosis

This case report describes a rare complication where ectopic splenic tissue (splenosis) that had grown in the abdomen following a previous spleen removal suddenly ruptured and caused severe internal bleeding. The 35-year-old patient developed acute abdominal pain and underwent emergency surgery to remove the bleeding tissue and stop the hemorrhage. The surgery was successful and the patient recovered well, highlighting the importance of considering splenosis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained abdominal bleeding in patients with prior spleen removal.

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Continuous debridement combined with short-term posaconazole therapy for cutaneous mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus oryzae infection secondary to acute myeloid leukemia: a case report

An 80-year-old patient with acute myeloid leukemia developed a serious fungal skin infection caused by Rhizopus oryzae on his lower leg. Doctors treated the infection by repeatedly cleaning out the infected tissue and giving him an antifungal medication called posaconazole for just one week. Despite the short treatment duration due to cost concerns, the patient’s wound gradually healed over four months through continued surgical care, showing that sometimes focused surgical treatment can be as effective as long-term medication.

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Brazilian task force for the management of mucormycosis

Mucormycosis is a serious fungal infection that has become more common in Brazil, especially during COVID-19. This medical emergency requires rapid diagnosis through imaging and tissue sampling, combined with aggressive treatment including antifungal medications and surgery to remove infected tissue. The Brazilian government has made these powerful antifungal drugs more available to improve patient survival and reduce the severe complications of this dangerous infection.

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A rare case of invasive necrotizing myositis of the thigh caused by Basidiobolus ranarum: a multi-pronged approach to successfully managing a near-fatal polybacterial mycotic infection

A 46-year-old man developed a severe fungal infection caused by a rare fungus called Basidiobolus ranarum in his thigh, which started from an insect bite two years earlier. The infection caused tissue death and was complicated by bacterial superinfection, requiring aggressive treatment with multiple antibiotics and antifungal medications along with several surgeries. Doctors used a combination approach including voriconazole, potassium iodide, and itraconazole to finally control the infection, though amputation was necessary due to the extent of tissue damage. The case highlights the importance of early medical care and demonstrates that rare fungal infections can be life-threatening even in otherwise healthy people.

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Successful management of Lomentospora prolificans septic arthritis and osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent child: A case report

A 3-year-old boy developed a serious fungal bone and joint infection caused by Lomentospora prolificans after surgery to fix a broken elbow. This fungus is extremely resistant to most antifungal medications. The infection was successfully treated using multiple approaches: aggressive surgical cleaning, several different antifungal drugs used together, special antibiotic-loaded bone cement, and antiseptic rinses. After two months of intensive treatment, the infection cleared and the child’s arm was saved from amputation.

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Clinical Challenges and Predictive Risk Factors for Outcomes in COVID-19–Associated Mucormycosis

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a dangerous fungal infection called mucormycosis has become a serious complication, especially for patients with uncontrolled diabetes or those taking certain medications. Researchers studied 180 patients with this condition and found that the infection can spread from the sinuses to the eyes and brain, leading to severe outcomes. The most important factors in surviving this infection are early detection, keeping blood sugar controlled, careful use of steroids, and aggressive treatment with antifungal medications and sometimes surgery.

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Brazilian task force for the management of mucormycosis

Mucormycosis is a rare but deadly fungal infection that has been increasingly reported in Brazil, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This Brazilian medical task force developed practical guidelines for diagnosing and treating this serious infection, which primarily affects people with uncontrolled diabetes or weakened immune systems. The key to survival is early diagnosis combined with aggressive surgery and specific antifungal medications, along with controlling blood sugar and immune system suppression.

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Necrotizing orbital infections: A comprehensive review

Necrotizing orbital infections are serious, fast-spreading infections around the eye caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. These infections can cause vision loss and can be life-threatening, especially for people with weakened immune systems. Quick diagnosis and aggressive treatment with antibiotics or antifungal medications, combined with surgery to remove infected tissue, are essential to save sight and prevent death.

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