The deadly duo: Cushing’s syndrome and mucormycetes

ABSTRACT Cushing’s syndrome, recognized as an immunocompromised state, is associated with various opportunistic infections due to dysregulated immune function. Early suspicion and screening for infections, along with the suppression of cortisol production, are essential to prevent life-threatening and catastrophic outcomes. We describe the case of a young male patient who presented with acute-onset dyspnea and uncontrolled blood glucose and was subsequently diagnosed with Cushing’s disease and left-sided hydropneumothorax. Pleural fluid culture grew mucormycetes, and the patient recovered after antifungal drug treatment.