Primary locally infiltrative gastrointestinal aspergilloma in a non-neutropaenic child.

Abstract

A 21-month-old male child presented with malnutrition and painless abdominal masses. The masses were provisionally diagnosed as being abdominal lymphoma. Pre-operative investigations did not establish any other cause. The diagnosis of primary gastrointestinal aspergilloma was obtained only post-operatively by histopathology and tissue culture. Following surgery, the tumour grew rapidly and massively despite intravenous amphotericin-B, in the recommended doses. The tumour caused recurrent intestinal obstruction which necessitated multiple extensive surgical excisions. The patient finally died due to sepsis and gastrointestinal bleeding. We believe this to be the first description of a primary gastrointestinal aspergilloma with aggressive local infiltration in a non-neutropenic child.