Mandibular osteomyelitis caused by Blastoschizomyces capitatus in a child with acute myelogenous leukemia

A 6-year-old girl with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) developed fungal ma ndibular osteomyelitis during chemotherapy. Blastoschizomyces capitatus was recognized histologically by its yeast-like morphology and formation of an nelloconidia, and was confirmed by culture. The fungal osteomyelitis of the mandible was treated successfully with prolonged antifungal medication, ex tensive surgical debridement and an oral care program, without interrupting leukemia chemotherapy. B. capitatus osteomyelitis of the mandible may occu r during chemotherapy in AML patients with poor dental condition. Successfu l treatment can be achieved by careful management without interruption of a ntineoplastic chemotherapy.