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Successful Isavuconazole Salvage Therapy for Cerebral Mucormycosis in A child With Relapsed Leukemia, A light in The Dark Tunnel
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  • Karl Balsara ,
  • Muayad Alali,
  • Alka Khaitan,
  • Drew Streicher ,
  • Hailey Budnick,
  • Rachael Schulte
Karl Balsara
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
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Muayad Alali
Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Alka Khaitan
Riley Hospital for Children
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Drew Streicher
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
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Hailey Budnick
Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis
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Rachael Schulte
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
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Abstract

Mucormycosis is an angioinvasive lethal fungal infection in pediatric cancer patients. We present 10-year-old female with relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing chemotherapy was diagnosed with isolated cerebral mucormycosis (ICM). Despite surgical debridement and liposomal amphotericin B, repeat imaging showed concern for disease progression. Chemotherapy was discontinued and the patient was discharged on salvage therapy oral isavuconazole (ISAV). Over two months later, the patient was unexpectedly clinically stable, and imaging showed near resolution. After confirming continuous disease remission, the patient was restarted on modified chemotherapy. Serial MRI’s during continued chemotherapy showed stable MRI findings. This case illustrates a rare presentation of successful salvage monotherapy ISAV for this deadly infection with complete remission for relapsed leukemia.