Gastric perforation due to mucormycosis after heart-lung and heart transplantation.

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal complications are a well-documented source of morbidity and mortality after heart and lung transplantation.

METHODS

We report on two patients who presented with gastric perforation caused by mucormycosis during the first 2 months after heart-lung and heart transplantation.

RESULTS

In the first patient, the clinical presentation was insidious and the diagnosis was made at an advanced stage of the disease. Despite surgery and aggressive antifungal treatment, the patient died. In the second patient, the diagnosis was made promptly, but despite antifungal treatment, he presented with gastric perforation within a week.

CONCLUSIONS

These cases illustrate that fungal invasive disease may be a cause of early gastrointestinal perforation after solid organ transplantation.