Gastric Perforation Secondary to Fungal Gastritis in an Immuno-Competent Adult

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract perforation is a surgical emergency. The epidemiology and etiology of perforation vary considerably across geography. Lower GI tract perforations in the elderly predominate in the West compared to upper GI perforations in the younger population in the tropics. Fungi and viruses have been reported to cause GI perforations in immuno-compromised individuals but it is rare in immuno-competent individuals. We report a very rare case of gastric perforation secondary to fungal gastritis in an immuno-competent 35-year-old female who presented with features of peritonitis. At emergency laparotomy, gastric perforation was found which was repaired by the Cellan-Jones method. Perforation edge biopsy findings were consistent with fungal etiology. She responded well to Antifungal therapy. We conclude that fungal etiology can be considered in patients with gastric perforation without any history of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) or use of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.