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Candida jejunitis: a rare cause of intestinal pneumatosis in the immunocompromised patient

M L Tie1, D H Stephens

  • 1Department of Radiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, SA, Australia. mtie@hotmail.com

Australasian Radiology
|June 13, 2000
PubMed

Insights

A fatal case of necrotizing jejunitis caused by Candida albicans occurred in an acute myeloid leukemia patient during chemotherapy. Diagnosis was confirmed post-mortem, revealing small bowel dilation and pneumatosis on computed tomography.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can lead to immunosuppression.
  • Opportunistic fungal infections, such as Candida albicans, pose a risk in immunocompromised patients.
  • Necrotizing jejunitis is a rare but severe gastrointestinal complication.

Observation:

  • A patient with AML undergoing chemotherapy developed necrotizing jejunitis.
  • The diagnosis was established during autopsy.
  • Clinical imaging showed characteristic signs of small bowel involvement.

Findings:

  • Candida albicans was identified as the causative agent of the fatal necrotizing jejunitis.
  • Computed tomography revealed small bowel dilatation and pneumatosis.
  • The patient's underlying acute myeloid leukemia and chemotherapy contributed to the fatal outcome.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential for invasive Candida infections in immunocompromised patients.
  • Underscores the importance of considering fungal etiologies in gastrointestinal complications during chemotherapy.
  • Suggests the need for vigilance and potential diagnostic advancements for early detection of such conditions.

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