A Rare Case of Candida Pericarditis Associated with Esophagopericardial Fistula

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Candida albicans is a common opportunistic fungal pathogen affecting human gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts.
• Invasive candidiasis and candidemia, caused by five key Candida species, represent a significant and growing public health challenge with high mortality rates.
• Increasing patient complexity contributes to the rise in invasive fungal infections.

Observation:

• A rare case of pericarditis caused by Candida albicans was observed in a young, heavy-drinking adult.
• The condition was linked to an esophagopericardial fistula.
• Diagnosis was confirmed through the culture of drained pericardial fluid, revealing Candida albicans growth.

Findings:

• This represents the first reported case of Candida pericarditis in an immunocompetent adult.
• Successful treatment was achieved using pericardiocentesis and oral fluconazole.
• The esophagopericardial fistula was the likely source of the fungal dissemination to the pericardium.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering rare fungal infections even in immunocompetent individuals presenting with unusual symptoms.
• Highlights the potential for gastrointestinal or genitourinary Candida species to cause systemic infections via fistulous tracts.
• Demonstrates the efficacy of a minimally invasive approach combined with targeted antifungal therapy for Candida pericarditis.