Clinical features, management, and outcomes of pulmonary mucormycosis: a decade-long retrospective study from a single center in central China - Report - MDSpire

Clinical features, management, and outcomes of pulmonary mucormycosis: a decade-long retrospective study from a single center in central China

  • By

  • Chengqing Yang

  • Chunlin Mei

  • Tanze Cao

  • Minhui Mei

  • Shufang Chen

  • Xiuping Liu

  • Chao Quan

  • Xuan Wang

  • June 11, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Clinical Characteristics, Treatment Strategies, and Outcomes of Pulmonary Mucormycosis

Overview

This study analyzes the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes of 16 patients with pulmonary mucormycosis over a ten-year period. The findings highlight the high mortality rate associated with this invasive fungal infection and the importance of early diagnosis and combined treatment approaches.

Background

Pulmonary mucormycosis is a severe and often fatal fungal infection primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals. The condition is characterized by delayed diagnosis and high mortality rates, necessitating a better understanding of its clinical features and treatment options. This study aims to provide insights into the demographic and clinical profiles of affected patients, as well as effective therapeutic strategies.

Data Highlights

CharacteristicValue
Mean Age52.50 ± 15.02 years
Male Predominance68.75%
Diabetes Mellitus Prevalence81.25%
12-Month Survival Rate81.25%
Bronchial Involvement68.75%

Key Findings

  • The mean age of patients was 52.50 years, with a predominance of males (68.75%).
  • Diabetes mellitus was the most common underlying condition, present in 81.25% of patients.
  • Common symptoms included cough (100%), expectoration (81.25%), and fever (68.75%).
  • Histopathological confirmation was achieved in 75% of cases.
  • Combination therapy, including bronchoscopy and antifungal medication, was associated with favorable outcomes.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for pulmonary mucormycosis in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with diabetes. Early diagnosis through bronchoscopy and prompt initiation of combination antifungal therapy may improve survival rates.

Conclusion

Pulmonary mucormycosis poses significant clinical challenges due to its high mortality and the necessity for timely intervention. This study underscores the importance of early diagnosis and aggressive treatment strategies to enhance patient outcomes.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2021 -- Mucormycosis Linked to COVID-19: Analyzing Mortality Risk Factors in a Retrospective Cohort Analysis
  2. Infection, 2020 -- Pulmonary Mucormycosis as a Complication Post-SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Report
  3. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2021 -- Evaluation of Mucorales PCR Assay in Respiratory and Biopsy Specimens from Immunocompromised Individuals with Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis and Other Fungal Infections: Findings from a Multicenter ECMM Investigation
  4. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Cutaneous mucormycosis confirmed using a Mucorales-specific monoclonal antibody: a case study
  5. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2021 -- Guidance on Imaging for Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis
  6. Global guideline for the diagnosis and management of mucormycosis, 2021 -- An initiative of the European Confederation of Medical Mycology
  7. Guidance on Imaging for Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis: From the Imaging Working Group for the Revision and Update of the Consensus Definitions of Fungal Disease from the EORTC/MSGERC | Clinical Infectious Diseases | Oxford Academic
  8. Global guideline for the diagnosis and management of mucormycosis: an initiative of the European Confederation of Medical Mycology in cooperation with the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium - PMC

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