Adv Pediatr Surg.  2022 Dec;28(2):70-75. 10.13029/aps.2022.28.2.70.

Hepatic Entomophthoromycosis in a Child: An Overlooked Diagnosis of an Emerging Fungal Infection: A Case Report

• Vutukuru S
• Peters NJ
• Samujh R
• Malik MA
• Solanki S
• Dogra S

• KMID: 2538292
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.13029/aps.2022.28.2.70

Abstract

Entomophthoromycosis is a rare fungal infection, infecting the immune competent children, in the tropical and sub-tropical areas. It is caused by Basidiobolus ranarum, which belongs to the order Entomophthoral. The diagnosis is delayed, as it presents with non-specific symptoms. The disease occurs following a trivial injury or insect bites and therefore presents as subcutaneous nodules over the trunk, buttock and thighs. Gastrointestinal (GI) infection and invasive spread are very rare. Very few cases of GI disease and liver entomophthoromycosis have been reported in the English literature. The diagnosis is confirmed on histopathology and fungal cultures. We discuss a case of liver entomophthoromycosis in a 3-year-old child, who presented with non-specific symptoms and palpable lump in the epigastric region. The child was worked up for malignancy and underwent left hepatectomy. Later, the histopathology report revealed entomophthoromycosis. Delay in diagnosis can be fatal. Entomophthoromycosis is an emerging fungal infection and should be an important differential in patients presenting with vague symptoms and lump abdomen.

Keyword

Invasive fungal infections; Entomophthorales; Liver mass