Disseminated mucormycosis infection after the first course of dose-modified R-EPOCH for advanced-stage lymphoma

We report the case of a 63-year-old man who presented at our hospital after experiencing fever and dyspnea for more than 1 month. Because his general condition was deteriorating, he was referred to our intensive care unit. He needed critical care and was treated with vasopressors, artificial ventilation, and continuous hemodialysis. Considering his systemic condition, hematological malignancy was suspected. Bone marrow and skin biopsies were performed, and the condition was diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. On the 15th day, suspecting infectious lung disease, we performed bronchoscopy, which showed Rhizopus infection. Thus, the patient was administered high-dose liposomal amphotericin B (10 mg/kg) therapy. On the 54th day, he died of a massive pulmonary hemorrhage. Autopsy revealed mucormycosis infection in multiple organs, including the lungs and liver. Vigilance regarding possible mucormycosis infection is required, even after initial chemotherapy in patients whose bone marrow is significantly affected by lymphoma cells and leukemic changes.