Summary

Invasive pulmonary coinfection with Mucor and Aspergillus is rare. Bilateral vocal cord paralysis resulting from coinfection with these two fungi to our knowledge has not been reported in the literature. We report a young woman with diabetes who presented with symptoms of community acquired pneumonia in association with hoarseness of voice. Investigations revealed air space consolidation of the right upper lobe, evidence of mediastinal involvement extending into the paratracheal space and entrapment of right upper lobe pulmonary artery. Bronchoscopy revealed bilateral vocal cord paralysis and sloughing of mucosa of the right upper lobe bronchus and the bronchus intermedius. Microbiological and pathological results confirmed Mucor and Aspergillus. Extensive vascular and mediastinal involvement precludes surgical debridement. Despite aggressive medical management the patient deteriorated and died of respiratory failure. Strong suspicion of invasive fungal infections in immune compromised patients presenting with unresolving pneumonia and hoarseness of voice, early aggressive treatment is crucial for the patient survival.