Rare case of gastrointestinal mucormycosis with colonic perforation in an immunocompetent patient with COVID-19

Abstract

Primary gastrointestinal mucormycosis is a rare disease associated with an increased mortality and is rarely reported in an immunocompetent host. We report the first case of mucormycosis-associated colonic perforation in a COVID-19 patient with a favourable outcome. A 48-year-old healthy male doctor in home isolation due to COVID-19 was admitted to COVID-19 intensive care unit when his symptoms deteriorated. The patient was put on non-invasive ventilation (NIV) using Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) and treatment given as per existing hospital protocol. The patient improved clinically, and was discharged on day 10 of admission. Two days later, he presented with acute gastrointestinal symptoms to the emergency department. A diagnosis of perforation peritonitis was made, the patient was stabilised and sigmoid colectomy with descending colon colostomy was done. A diagnosis of gastrointestinal mucormycosis was made and injectable antifungal was started. The patient was discharged after his general conditions improved.