Successful treatment of Candida parapsilosis mural endocarditis with combined caspofungin and voriconazole

Víctor López-Ciudad1, María J Castro-Orjales, Cristóbal León

  • 1Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Santa María Madre-Complejo Hospitalario de Ourense, Ourense, Spain. victor.jose.lopez.ciudad@sergas.es

Abstract

Insights

This study details a rare case of fungal mural endocarditis caused by Candida parapsilosis. Successful treatment was achieved using a combination of caspofungin and voriconazole.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Fungal mural endocarditis is a rare condition with infrequent antemortem diagnosis.
  • Literature review shows high mortality rates (6/7) with amphotericin B treatment for Candida spp. endocarditis.

Observation:

  • A case of mural endocarditis caused by Candida parapsilosis was diagnosed via transesophageal echocardiogram and positive blood cultures.
  • Persistent fungemia with Candida parapsilosis occurred despite caspofungin monotherapy.

Findings:

  • The patient received a combination therapy of caspofungin and voriconazole.
  • This regimen led to successful treatment of the Candida parapsilosis mural endocarditis.

Implications:

  • This case represents the first documented successful treatment of Candida parapsilosis mural endocarditis using caspofungin and voriconazole.
  • Highlights the potential of combination antifungal therapy in managing refractory fungal endocarditis.

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