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Published on: May 24, 2016
Intracardiac Fungal Mass in a Term Neonate
Magdy M El-Sayed Ahmed1, Mustafa Kurkluoglu2, Conor F Hynes2
1Children's National Health System, Washington, DC; Zagazig University Faculty of Medicine, Zigzag, Egypt.
Abstract:
Systemic fungal infections pose insidious challenges in neonatal intensive care settings. We present the case of a 9-day-old male term neonate admitted for polymicrobial sepsis and hepatic dysfunction who later developed candidemia superinfection. Despite broad antifungal therapy, the fungemia was complicated by progressive growth of a fungus ball in the right ventricular outflow tract that threatened cardiac function. Surgical excision of the mass was undertaken by right atriotomy and histologic examination confirmed Candida albicans.
Insights
Systemic fungal infections, specifically candidemia, present serious risks in neonatal intensive care units. A rare case highlights a fungus ball in a neonate
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Systemic fungal infections, particularly candidemia, are a significant concern in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
- Neonates are particularly vulnerable to invasive fungal infections due to immature immune systems.
Observation:
- A 9-day-old male neonate presented with polymicrobial sepsis and liver dysfunction.
- The neonate subsequently developed a superinfection with candidemia despite broad-spectrum antifungal treatment.
Findings:
- A large fungus ball, identified as Candida albicans, grew in the right ventricular outflow tract, compromising cardiac function.
- Surgical removal of the cardiac fungus ball was successfully performed via right atriotomy.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe cardiac complications from candidemia in neonates.
- Early recognition and aggressive management, including surgical intervention, are crucial for improving outcomes in such critical cases.
