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Fungal Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis by Candida parapsilosis: A Case Report

Tahereh Shokohi1, Seyed Mahmood Nouraei2, Mohammad Hosein Afsarian3

  • 1Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, IR Iran ; Invasive Fungi Research center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, IR Iran.

Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology
|August 23, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fungal prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a rare but serious complication. This case highlights Candida parapsilosis PVE occurring years after surgery, emphasizing the need for long-term patient follow-up.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Fungal prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a rare but serious complication following valve replacement surgery.
  • Candida species, particularly Candida albicans, are the most common pathogens in fungal PVE, accounting for 1-6% of cases.

Observation:

  • A 35-year-old woman with a history of mechanical mitral valve replacement presented with neurological symptoms, dyspnea, and hypotension.
  • Transesophageal echocardiography revealed large, mobile vegetation on the prosthetic valve.
  • Surgical explantation of the valve showed budding yeasts identified as Candida parapsilosis.

Findings:

  • The patient developed candidemia and sepsis, likely related to the fungal PVE.
  • Despite immediate treatment with Amphotericin B and broad-spectrum antibiotics, the patient unfortunately died two days post-surgery.

Implications:

  • Fungal endocarditis, though uncommon, poses a significant risk to patients with prosthetic valves.
  • Fungal PVE can manifest years after the initial surgery, underscoring the critical need for long-term patient monitoring and follow-up.
Keywords:
CandidaEndocarditisFungiProsthetic valve

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