Mucormycosis presenting as a mediastinal mass with vascular encasement in an immunocompetent male

Abstract

Mucormycosis is an opportunistic fungal infection that typically involves the rhino-orbito- cerebral region, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract. Mediastinal involvement is extremely rare and poses a significant diagnostic challenge, often mimicking neoplastic or granulomatous diseases. We report a 38-year-old male who presented with progressive dyspnoea on exertion for two months. Contrast-enhanced CT chest revealed a large ill-defined homogenously enhancing soft-tissue lesion in the anterior and middle mediastinum with vascular encasement. The imaging differentials included lymphoma and aggressive infection. Histopathological examination of biopsy specimen demonstrated fungal hyphae which were broad, branching with non-parallel edge, confirming mucormycosis. The patient was managed with antifungal therapy.