Invasive fungal pharyngitis in a pediatric bone marrow transplant patient

Abstract

Invasive fungal disease of the head and neck is a potentially fatal infection most commonly seen in immunocompromised patients. Even in the setting of combined surgical and medical treatment, prognosis is generally poor. We report the first pediatric case of invasive fungal pharyngitis and summarize a review of the literature. A 10-year-old female patientwith aplastic anemia status post-bone marrow transplant and accompanying immunosuppression initially presented with a diagnosis of a peritonsillar abscess. Incision and drainage did not show purulence, but culture grew out Rhizopus species. Immediately after diagnosis, the patient was treated successfully with aggressive staged surgical debridement and antifungal medications and had an excellent functional outcome 2 years after initial presentation. Invasive fungal disease is most common in the sinonasal region, but alternative sites of disease must be considered in immunocompromised patients who present with atypical symptoms.

Trismus originating from rare fungal myositis in pterygoid muscles: A case report

“…Fungi turn into pathogens only under the right circumstances[ 14 ]. Although fungal myositis is occasionally reported in immunocompetent individuals, most cases involve immunocompromised patients[ 15 - 18 ]. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has identified many possible risk factors for immunodeficient patients.…”