Septic phlebitis caused by Candida albicans and diagnosed by needle aspiration

We have described a patient who had Candida albicans suppurative thrombophlebitis at the site of an indwelling intravenous catheter. The microbial etiology was established by needle aspiration of the venipuncture site, affording rapid and accurate identification of the infecting organism and providing prompt institution of therapy. Phlebectomy and a brief course of amphotericin B prevented further dissemination of the infection.