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Published on: July 18, 2014
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.
Abstract:
We describe the case of a middle-aged man and long-term smoker, presenting in cardiac tamponade with paroxysmal atrial flutter, with translocation of Candida glabrata into the pericardial space as a result of an erosive malignant oesophago-pericardial fistula.
Contribution:
The isolation of Candida species from the pericardial space is a rare manifestation of invasive candida infection, carrying a high mortality rate, and requires interrogation for possible underlying immune aberrations or mechanical portals of entry.
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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