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Gallbladder and biliary tract candidiasis: nine cases and review
A B Morris1, M L Sands, M Shiraki
1Infectious Disease Division, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts 01199.
Reviews of Infectious Diseases
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Biliary tract and gallbladder candidiasis share risk factors with other Candida infections. Isolated gallbladder candidiasis in nonneutropenic patients requires no antifungal therapy, unlike cases with extrabiliary involvement or candidemia.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Infections
Background:
- Biliary tract and gallbladder candidiasis are rare but serious infections.
- Understanding patient demographics, risk factors, and prognostic factors is crucial for effective management.
Observation:
- A 3-year retrospective review identified 31 cases, including 9 from the authors' institution.
- Common risk factors for candidal infections predispose patients to biliary tract and gallbladder candidiasis.
- Uncomplicated candidal cholecystitis in nonneutropenic patients treated with cholecystectomy alone had no mortality.
Findings:
- Patients with concurrent extrabiliary candidiasis or candidemia experienced worse outcomes.
- Combined surgical intervention and antifungal therapy were necessary for severe cases.
- Isolated candidiasis of the gallbladder in nonneutropenic patients did not necessitate antifungal treatment.
Implications:
- Physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for biliary candidiasis when risk factors are present.
- Prompt diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies, including antifungals when indicated, improve patient outcomes.
- This review highlights the importance of distinguishing isolated gallbladder candidiasis from more disseminated forms.