The role of BAL in the diagnosis of pulmonary mucormycosis

Five patients with pulmonary mucormycosis diagnosed during life are describ ed. AU had underlying predisposing conditions: either posttransplant or hem atologic malignancies. In all cases, the diagnosis mas made using fiberopti c bronchoscopy. In three patients, BAL was diagnostic. In two of these pati ents, the diagnosis was made by identifying the typical hyphae of mucormyco sis in the Brit fluid alone. Transbronchial biopsy was diagnostic in three patients. Treatment was based on IV antifungal chemotherapy together with s urgical removal of involved lung tissue whenever feasible. The clinical out come of these patients was dismal and was determined primarily the underlyi ng condition.