Infection of a Ventricular Septal Defect Patch with Acremonium Species
Nosheen Nasir1, Kauser Jabeen2, Joveria Farooqi2
1Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
Case Reports in Infectious Diseases
|July 27, 2018
Abstract:
A ventricular septal defect (VSD) patch infection with Acremonium species isolated from vegetation and blood culture is described. Antifungal treatment was discontinued after 3 months and patient developed relapse. Surgery with prolonged oral voriconazole was instituted with recovery. We emphasize importance of surgery and prolonged therapy to treat such infections.
Insights
A rare ventricular septal defect (VSD) patch infection caused by Acremonium species was successfully treated with surgery and prolonged antifungal therapy after initial relapse.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiovascular Surgery
Background:
- Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are congenital heart abnormalities.
- Patch closure is a common surgical repair method for VSDs.
- Fungal infections of cardiac patches are rare but serious complications.
Observation:
- A case of ventricular septal defect (VSD) patch infection is presented.
- The infection was caused by Acremonium species, isolated from vegetation and blood culture.
- Initial antifungal treatment was discontinued, leading to relapse.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention combined with prolonged oral voriconazole therapy resulted in patient recovery.
- Acremonium species demonstrated susceptibility to voriconazole.
- The importance of surgical management and extended antifungal treatment for VSD patch infections is highlighted.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical role of surgical debridement in managing prosthetic cardiac device infections.
- Prolonged antifungal therapy is essential for achieving a cure and preventing relapse in such cases.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of fungal etiology is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
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