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A Distinct Clinical Entity of Invasive Cardiac Aspergillosis: Not the Heart Valves This Time
Zaid Al Khouri1, Hunter Smeltzer1, Anood Al Qura'an1
1Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA.
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 23, 2025
Summary
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) rarely affects the heart, often presenting as infectious endocarditis. This study reviews non-valvular cardiac aspergillosis (NVCA) cases, highlighting its rarity and high mortality.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Mycology
Background:
- Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a severe fungal infection primarily impacting immunocompromised individuals.
- Cardiac involvement in IA is uncommon but carries a high mortality rate.
- While infectious endocarditis (IE) is the usual presentation, data on non-valvular cardiac aspergillosis (NVCA) is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on non-valvular cardiac aspergillosis (NVCA).
- To analyze cases of NVCA reported between 1950 and 2024.
- To present an additional case of NVCA involving Aspergillus pericarditis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of NVCA cases.
- Data extraction from published studies (1950-2024).
- Case report of a 48-year-old female with kyphoscoliosis and Aspergillus pericarditis.
Main Results:
- A review of 67 NVCA cases was conducted.
- The study identified a case of Aspergillus pericarditis in a patient with kyphoscoliosis.
- Cardiac involvement in IA, though rare, can occur in various forms.
Conclusions:
- Non-valvular cardiac aspergillosis (NVCA) is a rare but serious complication of invasive aspergillosis.
- Further research is needed to understand the full spectrum and management of NVCA.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in patients with cardiac IA.
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