Gastrointestinal mucormycosis--an uncommon isolated mucormycosis.

BACKGROUND: Isolated mucormycosis of the gastrointestinal tract is uncommon, with only two case reports from India. OBJECTIVES: To study the clinicopathologic features of gastrointestinal mucormycosis in Indian patients. METHODS: Eight cases of isolated gastrointestinal mucormycosis, seen over six years (1992-97) are reviewed. RESULTS: Five of the patients were premature babies or infants, one was a 12-year-old boy, and two were middle aged. Symptomatology included vomiting, bloody diarrhea, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal lump and abdominal distention. All the neonates presented with intestinal perforation. The duration of symptoms was ten days or less in six cases. Mucormycosis was not suspected clinically in any patient. In six cases the diagnosis was established antemortem from resection or biopsy material. Only two patients received antifungal therapy and only one patient responded. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated gastrointestinal mucormycosis is not uncommon in India. Early diagnosis may be helpful in reducing the high mortality.