Candida tropicalis endocarditis: Treatment in a resource-poor setting

Prashant Kumar1, Mamta N Muranjan, Milind S Tullu

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Seth G.S. Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India.

Insights

Fungal endocarditis (FE), rare in children, was diagnosed in a 5-year-old girl with Candida tropicalis. Treatment involved antifungal therapy and valve surgery, leading to recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Fungal endocarditis (FE) is a rare pediatric condition, typically affecting structurally abnormal hearts.
  • Candida species are the most frequent cause of FE in children.

Observation:

  • A 5-year-old female presented with fever, cardiac failure, anemia, leukocytosis, and elevated CRP.
  • Bacterial cultures were negative, and she did not respond to antimicrobial therapy.
  • Echocardiography showed a large mass on the right ventricle and tricuspid valve.

Findings:

  • Blood cultures confirmed Candida tropicalis, establishing the diagnosis of FE.
  • Treatment included liposomal amphotericin B and surgical excision of the vegetation and tricuspid valve.
  • Histopathology and culture of resected tissue confirmed the fungal etiology.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering fungal infections in pediatric cardiac failure unresponsive to antibiotics.
  • Successful management requires a combination of aggressive antifungal therapy and surgical intervention.
  • Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric fungal endocarditis.

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