Candida pericarditis and tamponade from a malignant pericardio-oesophageal fistula

Nicola K Wills1,2, Priyadarshini Arnab3, Ferdinand Oompie4

  • 1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.

Insights

A rare invasive Candida glabrata infection caused a life-threatening cardiac tamponade in a smoker via an esophageal fistula. This case highlights the need to investigate immune issues and entry points for invasive fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Invasive candidiasis, particularly in the pericardial space, is rare and associated with high mortality.
  • Risk factors include immune compromise and direct pathogen entry, such as through fistulas.
  • Oesophago-pericardial fistulas are uncommon but severe complications.

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