Gastrointestinal Mucormycosis Presenting as Emphysematous Gastritis

Abstract

Gastrointestinal mucormycosis is a rare but life-threatening invasive fungal infection affecting immunocompromised individuals. Emphysematous gastritis is a rare, fulminant manifestation with high mortality. We report a case of a woman in her 80s with multiple comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus and necrotizing myopathy on corticosteroid therapy, who developed recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding with fevers during her hospitalization. She was later diagnosed with gastrointestinal mucormycosis and emphysematous gastritis, which was complicated by septic shock, multiorgan failure, and eventual demise. This case highlights the importance of early recognition, prompt histopathological diagnosis, early appropriate antifungal therapy, and surgical intervention when feasible, without which the outcome is often fatal.