Fatal Postoperative Mucormycosis Following Emergency Abdominal Surgery in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Mucormycosis is a rare and severe fungal infection that typically affects immunocompromised individuals, although it has increasingly been reported in immunocompetent patients. Postoperative mucormycosis, particularly following emergency abdominal surgery, is an exceedingly rare complication. We present the case of a man in his late 30s who developed fatal postoperative mucormycosis after an emergency laparotomy for trauma. Despite prompt initial antifungal treatment with amphotericin B, the infection rapidly progressed, leading to sepsis and death. This case of postoperative mucormycosis in an immunocompetent patient in Iran is unusual and emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion for rare infections such as mucormycosis, even in patients without traditional risk factors. Early antifungal therapy, close monitoring and prompt multidisciplinary management are critical for improving outcomes.