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Aspergillus endocarditis presenting as femoral artery embolism

S Verghese1, C F Maria, A S Mullaseri

  • 1Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Madras Medical Mission, 4-A, JJ Nagar, Mogappair Chennai, India. pav@xlweb.com

Mycoses
|June 11, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Fungal valvular endocarditis, though rare, carries a poor prognosis. Early diagnosis via emboli culture in two post-cardiac surgery patients identified Aspergillus species, confirming this serious fungal infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Fungal valvular endocarditis is an uncommon but critical condition with a historically poor prognosis.
  • Cardiovascular surgery is a significant risk factor for developing fungal endocarditis.

Observation:

  • Two patients developed fungal valvular endocarditis following cardiovascular surgery.
  • The presentation in both cases was characterized by femoral artery embolism.

Findings:

  • Cultures of the emboli revealed Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus flavus as the causative agents.
  • Subsequent isolation of the same Aspergillus species from resected valve tissue confirmed the diagnosis.
  • Early diagnosis was facilitated by microbiological analysis of embolic material.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering fungal endocarditis in patients with prosthetic valves and embolic events post-surgery.
  • Emphasizes the utility of prompt microbiological investigation of embolic material for early diagnosis and management of fungal endocarditis.
  • Underscores the severe outcomes associated with fungal valvular endocarditis, necessitating heightened clinical suspicion and rapid intervention.

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