Mucormycosis of the trachea: an unusual cause of acute upper airway obstruction

Chest. 1982 May;81(5):653-4. doi: 10.1378/chest.81.5.653.

Abstract

Mucormycosis (phycomycosis) has been reported to involve most organ systems in man. We report a young insulin-dependent diabetic who presented with acute upper airway obstruction because of isolated mucormycosis of the trachea. A combination of amphotericin B and surgical resection of the lower two thirds of the larynx and five tracheal rings with primary reanastomosis has resulted in a cure with no evidence of recurrence after nine months of follow-up. To our knowledge, this represents the first report of isolated tracheal mucormycosis and/or acute upper airway obstruction due to mucormycosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Airway Obstruction / etiology*
  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Diabetes Complications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mucormycosis / complications*
  • Mucormycosis / therapy
  • Tracheal Diseases / complications*
  • Tracheotomy

Substances

  • Amphotericin B