Fungal Endocarditis Secondary to Transdermal Fentanyl Patch

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology

Background:

• Fungal endocarditis is a rare but serious cardiac condition.
• Aspergillus and Candida species are the most common causative agents.
• Diagnosis requires comprehensive assessment and specific criteria.

Observation:

• Intravenous drug abuse is a known risk factor for endocarditis.
• Transdermal drug abuse as a cause of endocarditis is rarely reported.
• A 33-year-old male presented with non-specific complaints and fungemia.

Findings:

• The patient intentionally caused dermal abrasion to enhance fentanyl patch absorption.
• This self-inflicted injury led to fungemia and subsequent endocarditis.
• The patient refused surgery due to trypanophobia, opting for oral medication.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of risk factors for fungal endocarditis.
• It underscores the need to investigate all drug administration routes, including transdermal.
• Physicians must consider non-traditional drug abuse methods in differential diagnoses.