Disseminated talaromycosis complicated by recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhagic shock: a case report

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal involvement is not uncommon in patients with disseminated talaromycosis, but successful management of massive gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhagic shock secondary to talaromycosis is rarely reported. Clinical management strategies for these patients have not been well documented. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we reported a case of disseminated talaromycosis with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhagic shock who was successfully alleviated solely with medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and treatment for Talaromyces marneffei, intravenous fluid resuscitation, hemostatic therapy and blood transfusion are all essential for talaromycosis complicated with gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhagic shock. It is also necessary to warn about the possibility of bleeding induced or aggravated by endoscopic biopsy trauma.