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Updated: May 22, 2026
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Catheter-based Endovascular Angioplasty for Fibrosing Mediastinitis-associated Pulmonary Vein Stenosis
Published on: August 26, 2025
[Fungal endocarditis with central and peripheral embolization: case report].
Sílvia Ribeiro1, António Gaspar, António Assunção
1Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital de Braga, Braga, Portugal. silviamartinsribeiro@gmail.com
Summary
This case highlights a severe fungal endocarditis infection impacting the aortic valve, leading to critical complications like arterial embolization and limb loss. Recurrent infection ultimately resulted in cardiac arrest before further surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- A 50-year-old male with a history of drug addiction presented with aortic valve fungal endocarditis.
- Complications included severe aortic regurgitation, cerebral infarcts, and a right common iliac artery pseudoaneurysm.
Observation:
- The patient experienced acute arterial ischemia of the left leg, necessitating a distal patellofemoral embolectomy.
- Aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthetic valve was performed, followed by a left leg amputation due to complications during hospitalization.
Findings:
- Recurrent fungal endocarditis occurred four months post-discharge, presenting with renal and splenic infarcts and celiac trunk embolization.
- The patient suffered cardiac arrest prior to planned cardiothoracic surgery for the recurrent infection.
Implications:
- This case underscores the challenges in managing complex fungal endocarditis, particularly in patients with a history of intravenous drug use.
- It highlights the potential for severe embolic events and the need for aggressive, multidisciplinary management to prevent catastrophic outcomes.
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