Pulmonary mucormycosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: successful management of a case along with review of literature

Abstract

Pulmonary mucormycosis is rare in systemic lupus erythematosus. A 20-year-old lady with lupus nephritis and neuropsychiatric lupus was treated with injection methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide. After few days, she developed fever, breathlessness, and hoarseness of voice. After neck and chest imaging, possibility of mucormycosis was considered which was later confirmed on microbiological test. Patient was treated with conventional amphotericin B. Literature review was done, and 8 patients with disseminated or pulmonary mucormycosis were identified with SLE. In patients with high index of suspicion, early imaging can help in diagnosis and early and aggressive management even with conventional amphotericin B can result in favorable outcome. Key Points • Pulmonary mucormycosis in systemic lupus erythematosus is rare. • Radiological investigation can guide towards diagnosis. • Early and aggressive treatment can lead to good outcome.