Invasive mucormycosis and aspergillosis in a healthy 22-year-old battle casualty: case report

Abstract

Background: Invasive mucormycosis or aspergillosis is a life-threatening infection. The disease typically occurs in immunocompromised patients (e.g., those with diabetes mellitus or burns) but is rarely serious in otherwise-healthy young trauma patients.

Methods: Case report and literature review.

Results: A previously-healthy 22-year-old United States Marine who sustained large soft tissue injuries in support of Operation Enduring Freedom underwent multiple operations in theater to stabilize his wounds. He was evacuated first to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and thence to the National Naval Medical Center in Maryland, where appropriate antifungal therapies were initiated and wide débridements were undertaken without success. His clinical status deteriorated, and he died. Tissue examination revealed systemic invasive mucormycosis and aspergillosis.

Conclusion: The suspicion of invasive fungal infections must be tested early if intervention is to be curative.