A noninvasive renal fungus ball caused by Rhizopus--a previously unreported manifestation of zygomycosis

Abstract

We describe the first reported case of renal zygomycosis presenting as an isolated fungus ball (bezoar) without renal parenchymal invasion. Since all previous descriptions of renal involvement have discussed tissue invasion, our case is unique in that the infection was confined solely in the renal pelvis and extended to the distal ureter without signs of contiguous renal infection. Our patient later developed renal insufficiency while receiving amphotericin B Lipid Complex (ABLC). The therapy was changed to posaconazole with subsequent clinical, mycologic, and radiographic improvement and the patient has remained free of recurrence 5 years after diagnosis.