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[Intracardiac fungal mass in extreme premature patient]
Milagros C Diaz Rojas1, Julio E Peralta Rodríguez1, Oscar A Soto Béjar1
1Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño San Borja. Lima, Perú Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño San Borja Lima Perú.
Abstract:
There are few reports on intracardiac fungal masses, especially in the pediatric population. We present the case of an extremely premature patient who, after being hospitalized since birth in an intensive care unit, developed fungal masses in the right atrium, which, due to their size, location and resistance to medical treatment, required surgical excision. For this reason, at the slightest suspicion of systemic candidiasis in pediatric patients, it is mandatory to include an echocardiogram in the defocalization examinations to rule out endocarditis and thus avoid the development of intracardiac fungal masses. Therefore, early detection for timely medical management may avoid the surgical approach associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality in extremely premature patients.
Insights
Intracardiac fungal masses are rare in children. Early echocardiograms are crucial for detecting systemic candidiasis in premature infants to prevent life-threatening heart complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Intracardiac fungal masses are uncommon, particularly in pediatric patients.
- Systemic candidiasis can lead to severe complications in critically ill infants.
Observation:
- A case of an extremely premature infant developed large, treatment-resistant fungal masses in the right atrium.
- Surgical excision was necessary due to the size, location, and medical resistance of the masses.
Findings:
- Echocardiography is essential for diagnosing intracardiac fungal masses in pediatric patients with suspected systemic candidiasis.
- Early detection of fungal endocarditis can prevent the formation of intracardiac fungal masses.
Implications:
- Timely medical management guided by echocardiography can avoid high-risk surgery in premature infants.
- This highlights the importance of echocardiographic screening for systemic candidiasis in high-risk pediatric populations.
