Emergency staged Whipple procedure for gastroduodenal mucormycosis: a rare life-saving intervention

TL;DR

A rare case of life-threatening stomach and duodenum infection was successfully treated with urgent surgery and antifungals.

Contribution

Presents a rare case of gastroduodenal mucormycosis successfully treated with an emergency staged Whipple procedure.

Findings

Early surgical intervention and antifungal treatment led to successful recovery.

Initial misdiagnosis highlights the challenges in identifying rare GI mucormycosis.

Staged Whipple procedure is a viable life-saving option for advanced cases.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) mucormycosis is a rare, angioinvasive disease with a high mortality rate. To prevent dissemination of infection, early surgical resections of affected areas and initiation of antifungals are necessary. Unfortunately, due to its rarity, diagnosis, and treatment are often delayed. Here, we have described a case of a 22-year-old with gastroduodenal mucormycosis. Initially radiological findings were thought to be a sequela of changes for gastric volvulus or pancreatitis. GI mucormucosis was later confirmed with tissue histopathology. He underwent staged emergency Whipple’s procedure and was started on antifungals. Fortunately, due to early intervention the patient recovered without complications.

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