title: A rare cause of ischemic gut: A case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that is a rare cause of gastrointestinal ischemia, usually found in the immunocompromised or patients with extended surgical intensive care unit stay. This case report brings to light the rare presentation of a total gastric infarction secondary to a rare fungal infection where the overall outcome of the patient depends on timely diagnosis and management.
  
  
  METHODS
  An elderly Malay female patient in our institution developed severe sepsis. Radiological investigations revealed an intra abdominal source of sepsis likely secondary to total gastric ischemia. Both the abdominal X-ray and computed tomography scan showed evidence of gastric pneumotosis. She was diagnosed with gastric ischemia and underwent a total gastrectomy. However post surgically she continued to deteriorate and passed away 5 days later.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recognition of mucormycosis infection is pertinent to commence anti fungal treatment early with timely implementation of subsequent surgical management. Early access to surgery is necessary to improve cure rates in patients with mucormycosis as antifungal treatment alone is usually not adequate for cure.
authors: Department of General Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169608, Singapore. Electronic address: Zhenjin.lee@mohh.com.sg.
authors: Zhen Jin
authors: ZJ
authors: Lee
authors: Department of Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore,11 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169610, Singapore. Electronic address: claramae.chia.sl@nccs.com.sg.
authors: Claramae
authors: C
authors: Chia
authors: Department of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169608, Singapore. Electronic address: busmanis.a.inny@sgh.com.sg.
authors: Inese
authors: I
authors: Busmani
authors: Department of General Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169608, Singapore. Electronic address: wong.wai.keong@sgh.com.sg.
authors: Wai Keong
authors: WK
authors: Wong
keywords: Fungal; Gastric; Gastrointestinal; Ischemia; Mucormycosis; Pneumotosis