Related Experiment Videos
Filamentous Histoplasma capsulatum endocarditis involving mitral and aortic valve porcine bioprostheses
Abstract:
We report a case of histoplasmosis capsulati endocarditis simultaneously infecting a mitral and aortic porcine bioprostheses. Histologically, the fungus demonstrated a diversity of morphologies, ranging from typical, intracellular, 2- to 5-micron yeast cells, to septate and branching hyphae, to bizarre hyphae with vesicular swellings. Cultures obtained from both valves were positive in four days. The combination of unexpected histologic appearance and rapid growth in culture may pose problems in diagnosis.
Insights
This case study details a rare fungal infection, Histoplasmosis capsulati endocarditis, affecting two prosthetic heart valves. The varied fungal forms and rapid growth presented diagnostic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Fungal endocarditis is a rare but serious complication of prosthetic heart valves.
- Histoplasmosis capsulati is an opportunistic fungal infection typically affecting immunocompromised individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of simultaneous Histoplasmosis capsulati endocarditis on mitral and aortic porcine bioprostheses.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges posed by unusual fungal morphology and rapid culture growth.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination of infected porcine bioprostheses.
- Fungal culture from explanted valve tissues.
Main Results:
- Histoplasmosis capsulati demonstrated diverse morphologies, including yeast cells, septate hyphae, and bizarre hyphal forms.
- Fungal cultures from both valves yielded positive results within four days.
Conclusions:
- The unusual histological presentation and rapid fungal growth in this case of prosthetic valve endocarditis underscore potential diagnostic difficulties.
- Early recognition and appropriate diagnostic approaches are crucial for managing such rare fungal infections.