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Candida tropicalis pacemaker endocarditis
A Kurup1, M N Janardhan, T Y Seng
1Department of Internal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
The Journal of Infection
|December 20, 2000
Summary
A rare case of Candida tropicalis pacemaker endocarditis was diagnosed in a elderly male patient. Despite surgical intervention, the patient succumbed to multiorgan failure due to the severe infection.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Device Infections
Background:
- Pacemaker endocarditis is a serious complication of cardiac implantable electronic devices.
- Candida tropicalis is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that can cause invasive infections.
Observation:
- A 77-year-old male presented with lethargy, indicative of a systemic infection.
- The patient had a history of pacemaker implantation, suggesting a potential device-related issue.
Findings:
- Cultures confirmed Candida tropicalis infection involving the tricuspid valve, interatrial septum, and pacing wire.
- Vegetations were observed on the tricuspid valve and interatrial septum, consistent with endocarditis.
- The pacing wire was identified as a site of fungal colonization and infection.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for Candida tropicalis to cause severe pacemaker endocarditis.
- Aggressive antifungal therapy and device removal are crucial for managing such infections.
- Multiorgan failure underscores the critical nature and poor prognosis of disseminated fungal endocarditis.