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Published on: December 19, 2010
Spontaneous Fungal Peritonitis in Ascites of Cardiac Origin
Yuchen Wang1, Seema Gandhi2, Bashar M Attar3
1Department of Internal Medicine, John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL.
Abstract:
Spontaneous fungal peritonitis (SFP) is an infrequent but severe complication most commonly described in patients with liver cirrhosis. We present the first case of culture-proven SFP occurring in cardiogenic ascites. The diagnosis of SFP was clinically challenging as the initial ascites was consistent with the more common diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). The patient did not respond to antibacterial therapy, however, and the final diagnosis was only made with positive ascitic cultures that grew Candida glabrata. SFP should be considered in patients with either cardiac or cirrhotic ascites and have a delayed or lack of response to traditional SBP treatment.
Insights
Spontaneous fungal peritonitis (SFP) is a severe complication. This case highlights SFP in cardiogenic ascites, challenging diagnosis and treatment beyond typical spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Spontaneous fungal peritonitis (SFP) is a rare but serious complication, typically seen in patients with liver cirrhosis.
- Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, can arise from various conditions, including liver disease and heart failure.
Observation:
- This report details the first documented case of culture-proven SFP in a patient with cardiogenic ascites.
- The initial presentation mimicked spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), complicating early diagnosis.
Findings:
- The patient's ascites culture revealed *Candida glabrata*, confirming SFP.
- Failure to respond to standard antibacterial therapy for SBP was a key indicator for further investigation.
Implications:
- SFP should be considered in patients presenting with ascites, particularly those with cardiac or cirrhotic etiologies.
- A lack of response or delayed response to SBP treatment warrants consideration of fungal causes.
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