[Surgical treatment of Candida endocarditis involving mitral valve--a case report]

A 53-year-old male with a low pulmonary function (FEV1.0 500 ml) and cachexia was admitted for a remittent fever. Blood culture along with echocardiography indicating vegetation on the anterior mitral leaflet confirmed Candida endocarditis involving mitral valve. Following anti-fungal drug therapy, mitral valve replacement was performed. Surgical specimen of mitral valve showed vegetation on the anterior mitral leaflet with Candida albicans. The post-operative course was uneventful, through the anti-fungal drug therapy was compelled to be discontinued owing to drug allergy. He was discharged on the 67th postoperative day. There was no evidence of recurrence without medication for 9 months after his discharge.