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Candida Tricuspid Endocarditis in a Non-addict.
Erdeşir Naseri1, Serdar Akgün, Mine Oz
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academic Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
Summary
Fungal tricuspid valve endocarditis caused by Candida Pichia Etschelsii, though rare in non-addicts without predisposing factors, can be successfully treated with valve replacement. This case highlights the importance of considering fungal endocarditis in all patients with tricuspid vegetation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Native non-rheumatic fungal tricuspid valve endocarditis is infrequently documented, especially without typical risk factors like intravenous drug use, intracardiac catheters, or cardiac anomalies.
- Candida species are an uncommon cause of infective endocarditis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of fungal tricuspid valve endocarditis caused by Candida Pichia Etschelsii in a patient without traditional risk factors.
- To emphasize the need to consider fungal endocarditis in the differential diagnosis of tricuspid valve vegetation.
Main Methods:
- A case report detailing a patient with suspected tricuspid valve endocarditis.
- Blood and vegetation cultures were performed.
- Surgical valve replacement was undertaken.
Main Results:
- The patient, a non-intravenous drug user without other predisposing conditions, was diagnosed with tricuspid valve endocarditis.
- Blood and vegetation cultures identified Candida Pichia Etschelsii.
- The patient underwent successful valve replacement.
Conclusions:
- Candida Pichia Etschelsii can cause isolated native tricuspid valve endocarditis even in the absence of common risk factors.
- Fungal endocarditis, particularly Candida, should be considered in patients presenting with tricuspid valve vegetation, irrespective of their risk profile.
- Surgical intervention, such as valve replacement, can be a successful treatment modality.