Sonography of Candida albicans cystitis

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Urology

Background:

• Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen causing infections ranging in severity.
• Cystitis, or bladder inflammation, can be caused by various pathogens, including fungi.
• Accurate diagnosis and monitoring of fungal cystitis are crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the sonographic findings in three cases of Candida albicans cystitis.
• To evaluate the utility of sonography in monitoring treatment progress for fungal cystitis.
• To highlight the characteristic sonographic appearance of Candida albicans in the bladder.

Main Methods:

• Case series involving three patients with proven Candida albicans cystitis.
• Diagnostic imaging using sonography to visualize the bladder.
• Monitoring of therapeutic response through serial sonographic examinations.

Main Results:

• Sonography revealed a mildly thickened bladder wall and a distinct, mobile fluid-fluid interface within the bladder.
• This interface represented fungal debris containing pseudomycelia of Candida albicans.
• The sonographic appearance was consistent across all three cases, aiding in diagnosis.
• Conservative treatment led to successful clearance of vesical debris without complications.

Conclusions:

• Sonography can identify characteristic, though not pathognomonic, features of Candida albicans cystitis.
• The shifting fluid-fluid interface is a key sonographic finding in fungal bladder debris.
• Sonography is a valuable tool for monitoring treatment response and outcomes in Candida albicans cystitis.