Septic shock induced from an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead-associated Candida albicans vegetation

In recent years, the use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators has made a significant impact in the treatment of cardiac disease. With the advent of this therapy, infection has become a growing concern, with a reported incidence of 1-11%. Although device-related infections are most frequently caused by bacterial pathogens, fungal etiologies are uncommon and carry an exceedingly high mortality rate. To date, there is only one published report of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead-associated infection secondary to Candida albicans. This case report presents the second such case. A review of the literature regarding fungal endocarditis as well as diagnosis and therapy of this rare and dangerous disease is discussed.