Gastrointestinal Mucormycosis Mimicking as Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Case Series of 5 Neonates

Abstract

Background: Gastrointestinal mucormycosis (GIM) is a rare potentially lethal fungal infection in neonates associated with rapid progression and high mortality. Case Characteristics: We herein report 2 preterm and 3 term cases of GIM; all term neonates had perinatal asphyxia. All cases were preoperatively diagnosed as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Observation: All cases underwent laparotomy, and the diagnosis of GIM was made on postoperative histopathological examination. Results: Asphyxia might be an important risk factor for mucormycosis in term neonates, and to improve outcome, a high index of suspicion of GIM should be kept in cases of NEC in neonates, especially in term neonates.