Abstract

Invasive mold infection (IMI) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a rare complication in immunocompromised patients that carries a high mortality rate. It is most often described in the setting of disseminated disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in its management, but this is rarely obtained, leading to delayed therapy. To describe the clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes of this infection, we reviewed all the cases of adult patients with histopathological findings from autopsy or surgical specimens that demonstrated fungal invasion into the GI tract at Stanford Hospital & Clinics from January 1997 to August 2020. Twenty-two patients that met criteria were identified and they were all immunocompromised, either due to their underlying medical conditions or the treatments that they received. The most common underlying disease was hematological malignancies (63.6%) and the most common symptoms were abdominal pain, GI bleeding and diarrhea. A majority of patients (72.7%) had disseminated invasive mold infection, while the rest had isolated GI tract involvement. In 2/3 of our cases the fungal genus or species was confirmed based on culture or PCR results. Given the very high mortality associated with GI mold infection, this diagnosis should be considered when evaluating immunocompromised patients with concerning GI signs and symptoms. A timely recognition of the infection, prompt initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy as well as surgical intervention if feasible, are key to improve survival from this devastating infection.

View details for DOI 10.1093/mmy/myac007

View details for PubMedID 35092429