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Candida parapsilosis endocarditis in an immunocompetent host.
Adrienne M Gonzales1, Sujith Puskoor1, Devina Jagota1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott and White Medical Center - Round Rock, Round Rock, Texas.
Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center)
|July 5, 2021
Summary
A rare case of fungal endocarditis caused by Candida parapsilosis led to embolic stroke in an 83-year-old woman. This highlights the diagnostic challenges of fungal endocarditis, even without typical risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Fungal endocarditis is a rare but serious infection affecting heart valves.
- Candida species, particularly Candida parapsilosis, can cause endocarditis, often in immunocompromised individuals.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to difficulties in fungal culture and non-specific symptoms.
Observation:
- An 83-year-old immunocompetent woman presented with nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
- She was diagnosed with embolic stroke.
- Further investigation revealed Candida parapsilosis endocarditis as the underlying cause.
Findings:
- The patient experienced an embolic stroke attributed to Candida parapsilosis endocarditis.
- Fungal endocarditis diagnosis was complicated by challenging culturing of the fungus.
- The case occurred in an immunocompetent host, defying typical risk factor profiles.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering fungal endocarditis in the differential diagnosis of stroke, even in immunocompetent patients.
- It highlights the diagnostic difficulties associated with fungal endocarditis, emphasizing the need for heightened clinical suspicion.
- Broadening diagnostic considerations is crucial for timely and accurate identification of rare infections like fungal endocarditis.
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